Philadelphia Archbishop to Lead Holy Hour for Peace

Event part of nationwide Catholic call for prayer and unity amid polarization

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will join dioceses across the country in offering a Holy Hour for Peace on February 24th. Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez will celebrate Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, followed by the Holy Hour where clergy and faithful will gather in solidarity with Catholics nationwide to pray for healing, unity, and renewed respect for human dignity.

Why it matters

The Holy Hour for Peace is a response from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to the 'climate of fear and polarization' in the country, calling on Catholics to turn to prayer as a means of addressing division and promoting unity.

The details

Archbishop Coakley, president of the USCCB, urged Catholics across the U.S. to participate in the Holy Hour for Peace, stating that 'your faith matters. Your prayers matter. Your acts of love and works of justice matter.' The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will heed this call, with Archbishop Pérez leading the Mass and Holy Hour at the Cathedral Basilica.

  • The Holy Hour for Peace will take place on February 24, 2026.
  • Archbishop Pérez will celebrate Mass at 12:05 p.m. on February 24th, followed by the Holy Hour.

The players

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez

The Archbishop of Philadelphia who will celebrate Mass and lead the Holy Hour for Peace.

Archbishop Paul S. Coakley

The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops who called on dioceses nationwide to offer a Holy Hour for Peace.

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What they’re saying

“Your faith matters. Your prayers matter. Your acts of love and works of justice matter.”

— Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, President, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

What’s next

The Holy Hour for Peace is a one-time event taking place on February 24, 2026.

The takeaway

The Holy Hour for Peace is an opportunity for Catholics in Philadelphia and across the country to come together in prayer, seeking healing and unity during a time of polarization and division in society.