By CatholicPhilly Staff • Posted February 13, 2026

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez sent a letter on Feb. 13 to the Muslim community in the Philadelphia region on the occasion of Ramadan. The month-long vigil of prayer, fasting, and works of mercy will be observed this year from Feb. 17 to March 19, 2026.

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“Dear Friends of the Muslim Faith Tradition,

Together with the people of the Catholic Church in Philadelphia, I send warm greetings of friendship as you prepare to mark the observance of Ramadan.

Last year, Pope Leo XIV commended the “growing commitment to dialogue and fraternity” among the Catholic and Muslim communities. Our embrace is “fostered by esteem for these our brothers and sisters who ‘worship God, who is one, living and subsistent, merciful and almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, who has also spoken to humanity’ (Nostra Aetate, 3). This approach, based on mutual respect and freedom of conscience, is a solid foundation for building bridges between our communities.”

I share this vision of mutual deep respect and friendship between Christians and Muslims, rooted in hopes for the divine gift of peace in a time when conflict around the world results in suffering, death, and devastation for many people.

May your month-long vigil of prayer, fasting, and works of mercy be fruitful. May you share compassionate love with all those you encounter as instruments of peace.”

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