The Archdiocese of Philadelphia was originally established as a diocese by Pope Pius VII in 1808. It was solemnly consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on October 15, 1873. On February 12, 1875, it was erected as an Archdiocese by Pope Pius IX and solemnly consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, May 23, 1952.

When founded in 1808, the geographical area of the Diocese of Philadelphia included all of Pennsylvania, Delaware and the southern half of New Jersey. Today the Archdiocese of Philadelphia covers the southeastern section of Pennsylvania, an area of land that measures 2,182 square miles. It is comprised of five counties: Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties. These counties each have their own characteristics, from the urban to suburban settings.

As of 2004, the Archdiocese had a total of 654 Diocesan Priests who serve in various parts of the Archdiocese and in various ministries. There are a total of 270 parishes in the Archdiocese. These parishes serve the 1.4 million Catholics who reside within the Archdiocese.

Our Archdiocese has been blessed with two saints who have served our Archdiocese: St. John Neumann, our fourth Bishop, and St. Katharine Drexel, the foundress of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. Each of these saints contributed greatly to our Archdiocese especially through their support of the Catholic school system and great devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.

Currently, our Archdiocese has 20 Archdiocesan high schools, and 15 private Catholic high schools. There are 187 parish elementary schools.