Bishop Mark A. Eckman to be installed as 13th Bishop of Pittsburgh on July 14

On July 14 at 2:30 p.m. in Saint Paul Cathedral, Bishop Mark A. Eckman will be installed as the 13th bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh. All are welcome to attend.

As the diocesan bishop, Bishop Eckman will have the authority and responsibility to govern and care for the Church in the six counties of the Diocese of Pittsburgh: Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Lawrence and Washington. 

Solemn vespers take place the evening before the Installation Mass.

The events related to Bishop Eckman’s installation will begin the afternoon before with solemn vespers in Saint Paul Cathedral at 4 p.m. on Sunday July 13. All are welcome.

Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio who represents Pope Leo XIV in the United States, will preside, receiving Bishop Eckman’s Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity to the Church. Bishop David Zubik, the 12th Bishop of Pittsburgh, will preach.

The purpose of this Sunday service is to pray for the new bishop. “Vespers” means “evening prayer.” Mass will not be celebrated. 

The Installation Mass begins at 2:30 on July 14.

Everyone attending the Installation Mass is asked to be seated by 1:30 p.m. 

Numerous cardinals, archbishops, bishops, and clergy will take part in the Mass. The Most Reverend Nelson J. Perez, metropolitan Archbishop of Philadelphia, will preside. Many ecumenical and interfaith guests will be present as well.

During the Mass, Cardinal Christophe Pierre will present Bishop Eckman with the official decree—or papal “bull”— from Pope Leo XIV, declaring his appointment to Pittsburgh. Bishop Eckman will be seated at the cathedra – the bishop’s seat – which symbolizes the authority that Jesus has given to diocesan bishops as the successors of the apostles. 

After the Installation Mass, all are welcome to a reception in Oakland Catholic High School (144 N. Craig St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213). 

On June 4, 2025, Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Eckman to succeed Bishop David Zubik. 

A South Hills native, Bishop Eckman is a longtime Pittsburgh pastor who had also served in important diocesan-level roles. He was ordained an auxiliary bishop in 2022, tasked with assisting Bishop Zubik with pastoral care of the diocese.

Live streaming options:

• Solemn vespers will be live streamed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nl7kKrYPFf4. 
• The Installation Mass will be live streamed at: https://youtube.com/live/fmLUzJTVWsQ. 

• This will include commentary beforehand and limited explanations during Mass by Father Michael Sedor, judicial vicar of the diocese and Jennifer Antkowiak, diocesan director of communications and community relations.The Installation Mass will be signed for members of the Deaf Community.

News media who wish to cover the event should RSVP by noon on Friday, July 11 to Carmel Miller: [email protected]. At the cathedral, journalists must have credentials and will be directed to their seating area.