David Zubik

[naviga:h3]Bishop undergoing back disc surgery[/naviga:h3]

PITTSBURGH — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh says Bishop David Zubik is having surgery on damaged discs in his back.

The diocese says the surgery was scheduled for 7:30 a.m. today at UPMC Mercy Hospital.

The diocese plans to issue an update once the surgery is complete, and is asking for prayers for the bishop’s surgery and healing.

The bishop leads about 630,000 Catholics in 192 parishes in a six-county area.

[naviga:h3]Fireworks accident injures police chief[/naviga:h3]

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A police chief has lost part of his arm following a fireworks accident at the town’s fireman’s carnival.

Karen Diebold says her son and Leechburg Police Chief Michael Diebold is in stable and in good spirits nonetheless because of the outpouring of community support.

Police say Diebold was lighting a mortar when one went off and exploded into him. The chief is expected to return home in a few weeks. The extent of his injuries is unknown.

A prayer vigil for the chief was held Sunday night at the Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company.

An investigation is ongoing.