Congratulations newly appointed, neighboring Bishop Mark Eckman!
Pope Leo XIV has appointed a native son, Auxiliary Bishop Mark A. Eckman, to be the bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
Bishop Eckman is the successor of Bishop David A. Zubik, 75, whose retirement/resignation was accepted and publicized today by Monsignor Većeslav Tumir, chargé d’ affaires, a.i., of the Apostolic Nunciature, in the temporary absence of Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
Bishop Mark A. Eckman, M. Div., was born in Pittsburgh and graduated from Saint Valentine Elementary School in Bethel Park and the former South Hills Catholic High School in Mount Lebanon, now Seton LaSalle Catholic High School.
He is the son of Francis and Clarissa Eckman (both deceased).
He went to Saint Paul Seminary in East Carnegie, and is a graduate of Duquesne University. He received a Master of Divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe.
He was ordained on May 11, 1985. Since he served parishes and schools in the South Hills area of Pittsburgh parishes. From July of 2013, until July 1, 2020, he served as episcopal vicar for clergy personnel. He was later assigned as administrator of the parishes of Saint Thomas More and Saint John Capistran that merged to become Resurrection Parish. He was appointed auxiliary bishop in 2022.
According to the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh: in a letter to diocesan clergy and staff this 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.”
In a statement also released from the diocese:
“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.”
