Bishop Zubik announces retirement, names replacement
Pittsburgh’s 12th bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh announced his retirement and replacement Wednesday, June 4.
Bishop Mark Eckman will replace the Most Rev. David Zubik, becoming the 13th bishop. Eckman will be installed July 14 as Zubik steps down at the age of 75, the mandatory retirement for bishops in the Catholic Church.
“With a grateful and humble heart, I accept this appointment and ask for the prayers of all the faithful,” Bishop Eckman said in a Wednesday news release. “Together, we will continue the mission of Jesus Christ with hope.”
Eckman has served parishes throughout Allegheny County for 28 years, worked for nine years in a key diocesan administrative post and was consecrated as auxiliary bishop in 2022.
“He brings a deep knowledge of this diocese and a steady commitment to ministry in this context, said the Rev. Liddy Barlow, executive minister of Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania.
“He understands the role the Diocese of Pittsburgh plays as a leader among the faith communities of our region,” she said continued. “I feel confident that he will continue the legacy of friendship and collaboration established by his predecessors.”
Zubik spent 50 years practicing ordained ministry and was an ardent pursuer of Christian unity, Barlow said. He’s served on the Board of Delegates and frequent terms on the executive committee of the Council of Bishops and Judicatory Executives.
Zubik’s ecumenical and interfaith accomplishments include his leadership in the “Amen to Action” and “Pittsburgh Prays” initiatives that bring together Catholic, evangelican and mainline Protestant Christians; planning and hosting city-wide worship services to mark events like war in Ukraine and the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11; and facilitation of the Christian Leaders’ Fellowship.
“At my Confirmation in 1960, I could not have imagined joining in prayer with non-Catholics,” Zubik wrote in an essay for a book celebrating Christian Associates’ 50th anniversary in 2020. “If you had told me that I would become a bishop and walk frequently in liturgical processions with my Orthodox and Protestant counterparts, to pray together for our region, I would have laughed. I still laugh, but it is the laughter of joy at how far we have come.”
He asked for prayers as Bishop Eckman prepares to assume the role.
Rev. James A. Wehner of the Divine Grace Parish — which includes churches in Cranberry Township, Zelienople, and Ellwood City — once accompanied Zubik and his predecessor, Donald Wuerl, on a trip to the Vatican to meet Pope John Paul II.
“(Zubik) is a patient, charitable, and personable leader that helped me to learn more about administration and how to be a friendly leader,” Wehner said. “Bishop Zubik is a very prayerful man who makes his decisions after consultation but always rooted in prayer.”
Wehner also gave Eckmann his vote of confidence as Zubik’s successor.
“He is a gentle, pastoral and collaborative leader who has always served the faithful with great competence and with a shepherd’s heart,” Wehner said. “I look forward to his leadership as we welcome him as the 13th bishop of Pittsburgh.”
Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania brings together 28 Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant church bodies in the 10 counties of Southwest Pennsylvania to promote unity among diverse Christians and to work together.
The Council of Bishops and Judicatory Executives, which serves as Christian Associates’ board of directors, is composed of the leader of each member church body.
Eagle staff writer William Pitts contributed to this story.
