STATEMENT OF BISHOP PAUL J. BRADLEY
ON THE APPOINTMENT OF BISHOP DAVID A. ZUBIK
AS THE TWELFTH BISHOP OF PITTSBURGH

“The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, has blessed us today with the appointment of Bishop David A. Zubik as the twelfth Bishop of Pittsburgh. Since June 22, 2006 when Archbishop Wuerl was installed as the Archbishop of Washington, and throughout these 14 months, we have been anticipating the day when our new bishop would be appointed. Now, that time of anticipation has been completed, and we are thrilled that our Holy Father has seen fit to send a native son home to shepherd the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the six counties of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

“As the faithful of the Diocese of Green Bay know, Bishop Zubik discharges the responsibility of a bishop to teach, sanctify and lead with great zeal and steadfast fidelity. As I and all who have served with Bishop Zubik throughout his dedicated ministry know, he is a man of deep faith, compassion, gentle humor and charity, as well as a tireless administrator and inspiring leader. We are truly blessed to have him as our new Bishop.

“It has been a great privilege to serve this past year as Administrator of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. In that short time I, in collaboration with many others, have made every effort to keep the Church of Pittsburgh as strong as it was when Archbishop Wuerl was transferred, so that we would be prepared to welcome our new bishop. I have come to know first hand, more than at any other time, that our Diocese is blessed with a devoted and faithful presbyterate, generous deacons, dedicated women and men religious, and a loyal and involved lay faithful.

“All of us together rejoice that Bishop Zubik has been appointed the twelfth bishop of our Diocese, and we are ready to embrace the future under the leadership of our wonderful new bishop. Bishop Zubik, as we pledge you our fervent prayers and complete support, we happily say: Welcome Home!”