by Catholic News Service
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WASHINGTON -- Pope Benedict XVI has named Fr. William J. Waltersheid, secretary for clergy and consecrated life of the Diocese of Harrisburg, Pa., as auxiliary bishop of Pittsburgh.
The appointment was announced in Washington Feb. 25 by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
A native of Ashland, Pa., Bishop-designate Waltersheid, 54, has held his current post in the Harrisburg Diocese since 2006. He also has been a parochial vicar, a pastor and vice rector of the Pontifical North American College, 2000-2003, and before that the college's director of pastoral formation.
His episcopal ordination is scheduled for Easter Monday, April 25, at St. Paul Cathedral in Pittsburgh.
Bishop David A. Zubik of Pittsburgh issued a statement of welcome for the new auxiliary for his diocese.
"These are days of growth in the church of Pittsburgh," he said.
While Bishop-designate Waltersheid " will be a particular blessing to the entire church of Pittsburgh, I am especially grateful for all that he will do to be of support to the very dedicated and hard working priests of this diocese and the growing number of seminarians," Bishop Zubik said.