Nelson J. Perez


Nelson Jesus Perez is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who serves as the 14th Archbishop of Philadelphia.

Biography

Early life and education

Nelson Jesus Perez was born in Miami, Florida, on June 16, 1961, to David and Emma Perez. His parents were exiles from Cuba. He attended P.S. Number 4 and Memorial High School in West New York, New Jersey. Perez earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Montclair State University in 1983 and taught at Colegio La Piedad, a Catholic elementary school in Puerto Rico. He then entered Philadelphia's St. Charles Borromeo Seminary where he earned a Master of Arts and a Master of Divinity degree in 1988 and 1989 respectively.

Ordination and ministry

Perez was ordained to the priesthood of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on May 20, 1989.
His first assignment after ordination was as curate at Saint Ambrose Parish, Philadelphia. He also served as assistant director of the Office for Hispanic Catholics ; as the founding director of the Catholic Institute for Evangelization ; as pastor of Saint William Parish, Philadelphia and as pastor of Saint Agnes Parish, West Chester.
In 1998, he was named Chaplain to His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, with the title of monsignor. In 2009, he was named a Prelate of Honor by Pope Benedict XVI.

Episcopal service

Auxiliary Bishop of Rockville Centre

On June 8, 2012, Perez was appointed titular bishop of Catrum and auxiliary bishop of Rockville Center, New York, by Pope Benedict XVI. He received his episcopal consecration on July 25, 2012.

Bishop of Cleveland

On July 11, 2017, Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Cleveland. He was installed as the 11th Bishop of Cleveland on September 5, 2017.

Archbishop of Philadelphia

Perez was named Archbishop of Philadelphia on January 23, 2020, by Pope Francis, succeeding Archbishop Charles J. Chaput. His installation Mass was celebrated on February 18, 2020. He is the first Hispanic American bishop of Philadelphia.