Archbishop Pérez Supports Pope Leo XIV's Calls for Peace

The Archbishop of Philadelphia stands by the Pope's message of diplomacy and conversion of hearts.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 9:49pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an ornate cathedral entrance, with warm sunlight streaming in through the doorway and deep shadows enveloping the scene, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and spiritual refuge.The Catholic Church's moral voice continues to advocate for peaceful resolutions to global conflicts, even as the world grapples with deepening divisions.Philadelphia Today

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez of Philadelphia has released a statement supporting Pope Leo XIV's consistent calls for peaceful resolutions to global conflicts and divisions. Pérez praised the Pope's leadership and message, which he said powerfully reflects the Gospel's truth.

Why it matters

As the leader of the Catholic Church, the Pope's words carry significant moral authority and influence. Pérez's public support for the Pope's peace-focused agenda highlights the Church's role in promoting diplomacy and conflict resolution over violence.

The details

In his statement, Pérez said Pope Leo XIV has spoken with 'clarity and compassion' in urging peaceful solutions that uphold the 'sanctity and dignity of all human life.' The Archbishop said the Pope's message of 'peace, hope, diplomacy, and the conversion of hearts' deserves to be 'heeded by all.'

  • The statement was released on April 13, 2026.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope, who has consistently called for peaceful resolutions to global conflicts and divisions since the beginning of his pontificate.

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez

The Archbishop of Philadelphia, who has released a statement supporting Pope Leo XIV's message of diplomacy and the conversion of hearts.

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What they’re saying

“Pope Leo XIV has consistently spoken with clarity and compassion with calls for peaceful resolutions to complex challenges in a manner that upholds the sanctity and dignity of all human life as our world continues to be afflicted with division, conflict, and suffering.”

— Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia

“His continued calls for peace, hope, diplomacy, and the conversion of hearts should be heeded by all.”

— Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia

The takeaway

The Archbishop's statement underscores the Catholic Church's role as a moral authority promoting nonviolent conflict resolution in a world increasingly divided by geopolitical tensions and ideological conflicts.