The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh could have its thirteenth bishop in its historical past.
The Holy See introduced that Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop David Zubik at 6 a.m. native time. Zubik reached the obligatory retirement age of 75 final September.
In his place, Pope Leo named Auxiliary Bishop Mark Eckman because the thirteenth bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh.
“With a grateful and humble coronary heart, I settle for this appointment and ask for the prayers of all of the devoted,” Bishop Eckman stated. “Collectively, we’ll proceed the mission of Jesus Christ with hope.”
Bishop Eckman will likely be put in formally on Monday, July 14, 2025, in a particular Mass at Saint Paul Cathedral in Oakland.
“I’m each grateful and thrilled with this appointment,” Bishop Zubik wrote in a letter to clergy and workers. “Bishop Eckman is aware of the diocese, and we all know him as an distinctive pastor, and excellent administrator – actually an exemplary priest.”
Bishop Eckman has been an auxiliary bishop since 2022 and is a longtime parish priest.
Zubik and Eckman make a public look after announcement
Zubik and Eckman appeared at a information convention on Wednesday together with diocese staff and officers.
Whereas Zubik was capable of give remarks on his departure, he pledged his assist for now Bishop Eckman previous to his set up subsequent month.
Eckman is a Western Pennsylvania native from Bethel Park and has served because the auxiliary bishop since 2022. Together with that, he additionally served in central administration for the final 12 years.
Eckman stated he was nervous when he first acquired the decision about his appointment as a result of he was anticipating to be despatched elsewhere, however when he discovered he would stay in Pittsburgh, he was settled.
He additionally talked about a few of his key priorities for his management transferring ahead, and a kind of is making extra inroads with youthful members, referring to them as each the way forward for the church and the current.
“On our finish, we have now to formulate and assist develop their religion,” he stated.
Zubik stated he would not plan to be a sofa potato after his retirement, saying he will likely be concerned with numerous packages, together with some particular outreach with Catholic Charities.
Parishioners react to information
“For the brand new individual, I hope he is holy, comes throughout as holy, as a result of I believe what we want in Pittsburgh and America and the world is holiness, or a give attention to holiness, and I hope our new bishop and our new pope can put that collectively,” stated parishioner Wayne Kelly.
The change comes at a time when the Vatican can be embarking on a brand new chapter. Pope Leo, a Chicago native, is the primary American pope. That prompted Stephen Veltman, who’s from North Carolina, to go to Chicago after which make a cease in Pittsburgh to see the historic St. Paul Cathedral.
“I hope that issues go properly. I do know there’s numerous issues that individuals must get used to when there’s change on this planet, however when that change is led by love, it makes a distinction, “stated Veltman.
