Archbishop Pérez Calls for Peace, Human Dignity at Mass and Holy Hour

Catholic leaders in Philadelphia gather for a Day of Prayer for Peace amid 'current climate of fear and polarization'.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Paul Coakley, called for a national day of prayer for peace amidst the 'current climate of fear and polarization, which thrives when human dignity is disregarded.' In response, Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez of Philadelphia celebrated a Mass and Holy Hour for Peace at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, urging the congregation to pray for reconciliation, justice, and consolation in the face of global and domestic tensions.

Why it matters

The Catholic Church in Philadelphia organized this event in response to Archbishop Coakley's request for a holy hour in all the Catholic churches in the United States to renew the hearts of Americans. Archbishop Pérez's homily highlighted the need for peace and right relationships, especially regarding the immigration crisis and the challenges facing law enforcement, as the nation grapples with division and a lack of respect for human dignity.

The details

During the Mass, Archbishop Pérez told the congregation that 'peace is not the absence of conflict' but rather 'when we are in right relationship with each other, in right relationship with God, in right relationship with ourselves, and then in right relationship with the people around us.' He spoke of his own family's experience as Cuban refugees seeking a better life in the United States and the difficulties faced by immigrants and law enforcement alike.

  • The Mass and Holy Hour for Peace took place on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
  • Archbishop Coakley's request for a national day of prayer for peace was made earlier in 2026.

The players

Archbishop Paul Coakley

The president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops who called for a national day of prayer for peace.

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez

The Archbishop of Philadelphia who celebrated the Mass and Holy Hour for Peace at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

Father Dennis Gill

The rector of the Cathedral Basilica who invited the congregation into a spirit of prayer for peace.

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What they’re saying

“We are all made in the image of (God), and we all possess dignity. It's not given to us other than by God. Our dignity revolves around all of us, and so we pray that we can be the best version of ourselves.”

— Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez (catholicphilly.com)

“Peace is not the absence of conflict. That's not what peace is. Peace is actually when we are in right relationship with each other, in right relationship with God, in right relationship with ourselves, and then in right relationship with the people around us.”

— Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez (catholicphilly.com)

“We pray for an end to all types of racism and discrimination. We pray for an increase of love.”

— Father Dennis Gill, Rector of the Cathedral Basilica (catholicphilly.com)

What’s next

The Catholic Church in Philadelphia plans to continue organizing prayer events and initiatives to promote peace, reconciliation, and respect for human dignity in the local community and beyond.

The takeaway

This event highlights the Catholic Church's commitment to addressing the 'current climate of fear and polarization' in the United States by calling on the faithful to pray for peace, justice, and the recognition of the inherent dignity of all people, regardless of their background or circumstances.