New era for Pittsburgh Catholics begins with Bishop Mark Eckman

Pittsburgh Bishop Mark Eckman knew he was in the running to lead one of 24 U.S. dioceses with retiring bishops.

As an auxiliary bishop since 2022, the 66-year-old Bethel Park native expected to be reassigned outside Pittsburgh. He was preparing for a move, new faces, and new routines — until he got a call last week.

He was staying put, chosen to succeed Bishop David Zubik as leader of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

“I was very surprised by the announcement,” Eckman said Wednesday at a news conference, seated between Zubik and Auxiliary Bishop William Waltersheid.

A year of change

It’s been a year of transition for Roman Catholics. Pope Francis died April 21 and the first American pontiff, Leo XIV, a Chicagoan formerly known as the Rev. Robert Prevost, succeeded him.

It’s been nine months since Zubik sent his resignation to Rome addressed to then-Pope Francis.

Leo XIV elevated Eckman in one of his first actions as pope, something Zubik noted as the diocese shared the news during a gathering at McDowell Auditorium at the diocesan pastoral center in East Carnegie.

“Pittsburgh was at the top of his list,” Zubik said.

As he folds his miter and hangs up the crozier that mimics a shepherd’s staff and acts as a symbol for a bishop’s role in leading a diocese, Zubik called it a joyful day in the region.

“We have every reason to be grateful because Bishop Mark … is a very capable administrator and I know that he is an exemplary priest,” Zubik said of his successor. “As we begin a new chapter in our diocese today, we can be grateful that we continue to move forward to be the best that we can be.”

‘Much to learn’

Eckman will lead a diocese that mirrors the overall demographics of the region, with a declining population that trends older.

When he was ordained in 1985, there were 1 million Catholics and more than 300 priests in the diocese, which covers Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Lawrence and Washington counties.

In Eckman’s early years as a parish priest, the diocese was restructured under then-Bishop Donald Wuerl in a move that saw 192 parishes and 45 church buildings close by 1998.

In 2018, Zubik started a similar movement to group parishes together and ultimately merge them in a move that was unpopular but a necessity, Zubik said at the time.

There are now about 625,000 Catholics spread across 61 parish groupings and 107 churches, according to the diocese.

Eckman said he’s already been in each of the churches. Now, it’s time to work with the priests and people who make up the leadership councils in each of the parishes to make future plans.

“There are a lot of concerns. I don’t want to presume I know them all,” Eckman said. “My prayer is that together we’ll be able to work to build the diocese of Pittsburgh to a place where God’s presence is known and his love is experienced.

“I still have much to learn.”

Region’s leaders react

News of Eckman’s elevation was greeted with well-wishes from the region’s sacred and secular leaders, who also congratulated Zubik on his retirement.

“I have had the wonderful experience of knowing and working with Bishop Eckman, both as a priest and as bishop of Greensburg. His dedication to serve in the mission of Christ will make him a wonderful and spirit-filled shepherd for the faithful in our neighboring diocese,” said the Most Rev. Larry Kulick, who serves as bishop of Greensburg.

Duquesne University President Ken Gormley called Eckman a “genuine Pittsburgh success story” and lauded Zubik’s service to the region.

“Bishop Eckman is already well-respected as a pragmatic problem-solver and consensus-builder here in his hometown,” Gormley said. “His quiet, steady, action-oriented approach will add an exciting element of reinvigoration as the church itself begins a new era under Pope Leo. Bishop Zubik has been an energetic pastoral leader — he grew up in Ambridge and has devoted his 50 years as a priest, teacher, administrator and bishop to serving the parishioners and community he cares so deeply about.”

Eckman’s portrait should be used at the top of the Wikipedia entry for the word “pastor,” Saint Vincent Archabbot Martin Bartel said.

“Bishop Mark has always been first and foremost a shepherd, both to his parishioners and to his fellow priests, and now to the entire diocese,” Bartel said.

“The students, faculty, staff and alumni of Saint Vincent Seminary rejoice in the appointment” said Very Rev. Edward Mazich, rector of Saint Vincent Seminary.

The Rev. Liddy Barlow, leader of Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania, a group of clergy that crosses denominational lines, also congratulated Zubik and welcomed Eckman.

“He understands the role the Diocese of Pittsburgh plays as a leader among the faith communities of our region. I feel confident that he will continue the legacy of friendship and collaboration established by his predecessors,” Barlow said of Eckman.

She called Zubik a wise leader.

“In the midst of a complex and often challenging period for his diocese, he made time for community leadership, participating actively in ecumenical and interfaith affairs, compelled by Christ’s prayer ‘that all may be one,’ ” Barlow said.

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato also wished the bishops well.

“It is heartening to know the leadership of Pittsburgh’s Catholic community is a priority for Pope Leo XIV,” Innamorato said. “It was a pleasure to host Bishop Zubik at the Allegheny County Jail several times, and we wish him the best as he enjoys his retirement.”