The Holy See announced June 4 at 6:00 a.m. local time that Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop David A. Zubik, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 75 this past September. At the same time, the Holy Father has appointed Auxiliary Bishop Mark A. Eckman as the 13th Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
Bishop Eckman will be installed on Monday, July 14, 2025, during a special Mass at Saint Paul Cathedral in Oakland.
In a letter to diocesan clergy and staff that morning, Bishop Zubik wrote, “I am both grateful and thrilled with this appointment. Bishop Eckman knows the diocese. And we know him as an exceptional pastor, and outstanding administrator – truly an exemplary priest.”
Bishop Eckman, who has served the diocese as an Auxiliary Bishop since 2022 and as a longtime parish priest, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
“With a grateful and humble heart, I accept this appointment and ask for the prayers of all the faithful,” Bishop Eckman said. “Together, we will continue the mission of Jesus Christ with hope.”
Bishop Timothy Senior released a statement to congratulate Bishop Eckman on his appointment, saying, “On behalf of the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Harrisburg, I extend my congratulations to Bishop Mark Eckman on his appointment as the 13th Bishop of Pittsburgh. Bishop Eckman, a native son of Pittsburgh, has a deep faith and a commitment to serving God’s people. I have come to know Bishop Eckman through the gathering of the bishops of the Province of Pennsylvania and through our work together in the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference.”
“I also express my prayerful best wishes to Bishop David Zubik as he begins his retirement after a long, fruitful ministry as diocesan bishop of Pittsburgh as well as bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Bishop Zubik has been a steadfast shepherd, leading with compassion and wisdom. His dedication to the mission of Christ and the love he has shown to all has left an indelible mark,” Bishop Senior said.
“I ask all the faithful of the Diocese of Harrisburg to pray for both Bishop Eckman and Bishop Zubik, asking for God’s blessings upon them in their respective journeys. We also pray that the Diocese of Pittsburgh may continue to grow in faith and fellowship under Bishop Eckman’s leadership, while cherishing the legacy of service left by Bishop Zubik,” he said.
(Photo courtesy of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.)
