Pope Francis named the Rev. Mark Eckman, 62, a born-and-raised Pittsburgher, as auxiliary bishop of Pittsburgh on Friday, according to a news release from the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Eckman’s ordination as bishop is scheduled for Jan. 11 at 2:30 p.m. at Saint Paul Cathedral in Oakland.

An auxiliary bishop is assigned to assist the diocesan bishop with the pastoral and administrative needs of a diocese, the news release said.

“He has shown himself to be a caring, compassionate, responsible, skilled pastor of the church,” said Bishop David Zubik.