By CatholicPhilly Staff • Posted July 17, 2025

Bishop Mark A. Eckman was installed as the 13th Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh on July 14 during a solemn Mass at Saint Paul Cathedral. The liturgy was celebrated by Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez, who presided as Metropolitan Archbishop, joining Church leaders and hundreds of faithful in marking the diocese’s historic transition in leadership.

The liturgy drew thousands of attendees and included participation from Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States; Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington and former Bishop of Pittsburgh; and Bishop Emeritus David Zubik, who retired after 17 years of service.

Cardinal Pierre presented Bishop Eckman with the papal bull issued by Pope Leo XIV, officially declaring his appointment.

In addition to celebrating the installation Mass, Archbishop Pérez offered prayers and congratulations on behalf of the clergy and faithful of the Philadelphia Archdiocese in a July 15 Facebook post.

“I extend prayerful congratulations and best wishes, in the name of the priests, deacons, consecrated religious, and lay faithful of the Church of Philadelphia, to Bishop Eckman, Bishop Zubik, the priests, deacons, consecrated religious, and lay faithful of the Diocese of Pittsburgh!” said the archbishop. “May God bless you abundantly!”

Bishop Eckman, a native of Pittsburgh, served as an auxiliary bishop since 2022 and is widely recognized for his pastoral leadership and administrative skill. His episcopal motto, “To serve in faith and charity,” guided his homily, in which he emphasized humility, collaboration, and pastoral care.