Posted May 13, 2022

Pope Francis announced May 13 from the Vatican that he has accepted the retirement of Bishop Edward M. Deliman, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia. As required by the Code of Canon Law for all bishops, Bishop Deliman petitioned the Vatican for retirement on the occasion of his 75th birthday, which took place in March of this year. Although officially retired, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Deliman will continue serving the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and its people in several capacities.

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Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

I invite the entire Church in Philadelphia to join me in expressing prayerful congratulations and best wishes to Bishop Deliman on the occasion of his retirement. Throughout nearly 50 years as a priest, he has been a model of missionary discipleship in service to others.

He is greatly loved by God’s people in Philadelphia and widely known as a humble shepherd who walks with and among all those for whom he provides pastoral care. Of particular note is Bishop Deliman’s work with the Hispanic Catholic community in our region for decades. His tireless dedication to their temporal, pastoral, and cultural needs deserves our mutual respect and deep admiration.

Although retired, Bishop Deliman still plans to keep working. He will maintain a strong presence in the Hispanic Catholic community, preside at confirmations, and much more. I’m so deeply grateful for his desire to continue in active service to God’s people. It’s a true blessing to us all.

Pope Francis once said, “Together with a culture of work, there must be a culture of leisure as gratification. To put it another way: people who work must take the time to relax, to be with their families, to enjoy themselves, read, listen to music, play a sport.”

I share those sentiments on behalf of our entire local Church and pray that Bishop Deliman’s retirement will be filled with peace, joy, and happiness.

Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D.
Archbishop of Philadelphia