New archbishop Nelson Perez talks about his favorite Philly spots during 1-on-1 interview

CLEVELAND (WPVI) -- On Tuesday, Philadelphia Archbishop-designate Nelson Perez will officially start his new role.

Action News reporter Sharrie Williams sat down with Perez in Cleveland last week for a wide-ranging conversation.

Shari said he greeted her with a hug and welcomed her into his Cleveland office with the love of God.

RELATED: Nelson Perez talks about his favorite Philly spots during 1-on-1 interview


Bishop Perez has been away from the Delaware Valley for the last seven years but he said, at heart, he's a Philadelphia priest.

Of course, he was ordained in Philadelphia and spent 28 years here.

So when the Vatican called and said he would return as Archbishop he was caught off-guard, especially since he was with Pope Francis just a few weeks prior and Francis gave him no indication about the major appointment that was in store.

"Did you think you would be returning to Philadelphia did you see this coming?" Sharrie asked.

"Absolutely not. God is a God of surprises and this is a surprise I never saw in my wildest imagination," said Perez.

RELATED: Philadelphia's new archbishop Nelson Perez shares Action News memories


Perez's Mass of Installation will be held on Tuesday, February 18 at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul at 2 p.m.

Watch the rest of Sharrie's conversation with Perez in the video above.

MORE:

Sharrie reports during Action News at 5 p.m.