Holy Father Names New Bishop for Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh

GREENSBURG – The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh has received word from the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, that Auxiliary Bishop Mark A. Eckman, has been appointed to succeed Bishop David A. Zubik as the 13^th Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh. Below is a statement from The Most Reverend Larry J. Kulick, JCl, Bishop of Greensburg on Bishop-designate Eckman’s appointment.

“It is with great joy in hearing the news from our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, that I am delighted to congratulate and offer my sincere prayers to Bishop-designate Mark A. Eckman who has been chosen to serve as the 13th Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. 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. The clergy, religious and the faithful of the Diocese of Greensburg send Bishop Eckman our congratulations and an abundance of prayers for you and in your episcopacy.

I am also grateful for the many years of being able to know and to work with Bishop David A. Zubik, who retires after 28 years as a Bishop, the last 18 as Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, and after celebrating his 50th Ordination Anniversary. May God continue to Bless you Bishop Zubik, Ad multos annos!”

About Bishop – designate Mark A. Eckman

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) and brother to Peggy Mannella (Bethel Park), Mary Haugen (deceased) and Francis, Jr. (deceased).

He entered priestly formation at Saint Paul Seminary in East Carnegie, is a graduate of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and received a Master of Divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe.

Since his priestly ordination on May 11, 1985, Bishop Eckman has served primarily in South Hills parishes: as parochial vicar at five parishes, high school chaplain at Seton LaSalle and DePaul School for Hearing and Speech, pastor at three parishes, and administrator of two parishes. From July 15, 2013 until July 1, 2020, he was episcopal vicar for clergy personnel. He was assigned administrator of the parishes of Saint Thomas More and Saint John Capistran that merged to become Resurrection Parish, where he remains as pastor (appointed January 4, 2021).

He has also been a member of several boards including priest council, USCCB National Advisory Board, Permanent Diaconate Formation board, the seminary admissions board and priest candidates admissions board.

Aside from his priestly duties, Bishop Eckman is devoted to his extended family and also enjoys photography, especially of mountains where he goes hiking and skiing.