Jul 18, 2007 / 08:23 am
This morning the Vatican announced that Pope Benedict XVI has named the Bishop of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Most Reverend David A. Zubik as the Bishop of Pittsburgh. Bishop Zubik’s reaction to the news was that he was “stunned” to hear of his appointment by the Pope.
At a press conference this morning to announce his appointment to head the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Bishop Zubik spoke about the speculation in the press as to who would be the new leader for the diocese.
The speculation came in the form of a list dubbed, “The Magic Ten” that the press had created in anticipation of the Vatican filling the vacant see. Zubik said that he was amused to see his name on the list and then joked that, “Obviously all of you [the press], must be more in contact with God than I am.”
When asked to recall the moment he received the news of his new position he said, “It’s one of those times where you remember exactly where you were when it happened…I remember that I received the call at 3:35 pm on July 9th. That is also the time I was born at, 3:35.” The charge d’affaires of the Vatican nunciature, said to me, “I have some news that will change your life,” after which he told him of the Holy Father’s decision.