By CatholicPhilly Staff • Posted February 19, 2026

Responding to a nationwide call from Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will join dioceses across the country in offering a Day of Prayer for Peace.

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez will celebrate the 12:05 p.m. Mass on Feb. 24 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, followed by eucharistic adoration during a Holy Hour for Peace.

The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for adoration in the Cathedral Basilica until 5 p.m., concluding with benediction.

Livestream video of the Mass and holy hour will be available here.

In a Jan. 28 statement, Archbishop Coakley urged Catholics to meet the nation’s “climate of fear and polarization” with prayer, reminding the faithful that “your faith matters. Your prayers matter. Your acts of love and works of justice matter.”

Clergy and faithful from across the archdiocese will gather in solidarity with Catholics nationwide to pray for healing, unity, and renewed respect for human dignity.

See more details for the Day of Prayer for Peace at the cathedral basilica here.

In July 2025, Archbishop Pérez issued a pastoral letter calling on Catholics to unite in support of the migrant community and advocate for comprehensive immigration reform. The Archbishop also issued a statement in January 2025, regarding the need for balanced, compassionate, and comprehensive immigration reform.