By CatholicPhilly Staff Report • Posted July 14, 2026

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez has named Paul DiLorenzo director of the archdiocesan Office for Child and Youth Protection, effective Aug. 3.

He succeeds Leslie J. Davila, who led the office since its inception.

A nationally recognized expert in child welfare and abuse prevention, DiLorenzo brings more than 40 years of experience in public, private, and nonprofit organizations focused on protecting children and supporting families.

Most recently, he served as executive director of the Salem Health and Wellness Foundation. Prior to that, he held senior leadership roles with the Child Welfare League of America, Philadelphia Children’s Alliance, Casey Family Programs, the Support Center for Child Advocates, the City of Philadelphia, and the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.

In his new role, DiLorenzo will oversee child safety initiatives across the archdiocese’s parishes, schools, and ministries, as well as support services for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse and their families.

DiLorenzo holds master’s degrees in law and social policy from Bryn Mawr College and social work from Temple University. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and Latin American studies from Saint Joseph’s University and completed graduate certification studies in organizational dynamics at the University of Pennsylvania.

DiLorenzo said he looks forward to building on the work of his predecessor and furthering the office’s mission.