Darrell Sapp, Post-Gazette Bishop Zubik distributes communion during Mass yesterday at St. Mary of Mercy Church, Downtown

People in Western Pennsylvanians and elsewhere responded to the appointment yesterday of native son David Zubik as bishop of the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese. Here is what they had to say:

"We're happy because it's somebody we know. It's a local boy -- he's been here how many years. We're kind of excited -- we didn't think it would happen this soon after yesterday's announcement."

--Sister Bridget Miller, superior of the Sisters of the Holy Spirit, where Bishop Zubik lived as a chaplain for years

"He's been a great friend. His friendship and support [when he was previously in Pittsburgh] was obvious, and we know we're going to be able to count on him in many ways. I'm delighted to hear the news."

--Bishop Robert Duncan of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh

"We asked him to release the names of all credible, substantiated sex offenders in the Green Bay diocese. He didn't do that. He has not disclosed the amount of money that has been spent on these cases in Green Bay. In his time on this issue in Green Bay, he has done virtually nothing."

-- Peter Isely, Midwest regional director of Survivors Network for those Abused by Priests

"He has been treacherous in his dealings with survivors. Zubik ... has basically been indifferent to their pain and has been protective to abusers. When it comes to sex abuse, he is deserving of no credit. He has hid behind the laws in Wisconsin that protect predators, and has therefore failed and refused to clean up the diocese."

--Jeff Anderson, a lawyer who has represented sexual abuse victims in Green Bay and elsewhere

"My reaction is that I'm very excited at the opportunity this presents for the Green Bay diocese. His departure opens the door for a new dialogue and new experience here. ... I wish him the best back East."

-- Alice Hodek, mother of a priest abuse victim in the Green Bay diocese

"Pittsburgh is both fortunate and proud to have Bishop David Zubik returning to serve the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh. On behalf of all Pittsburghers, I extend my sincere congratulations and a warm welcome back to Bishop David Zubik."

--Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, who met with Bishop Zubik yesterday afternoon

"Bishop Zubik has shown himself to be a dedicated and loyal servant of Jesus Christ and the people of God in Green Bay and I am certain that he will be a compassionate and wise shepherd to the Catholic faithful in Pittsburgh."

-- Cardinal Justin Rigali, archbishop of Philadelphia, in a statement

"I think it's an excellent appointment for Pittsburgh. He's a former priest of the diocese and a son of the region who understands the unique culture and diversity of southwestern Pennsylvania. We eagerly look forward to Bishop Zubik joining his ecumenical colleagues at the council table."

-- The Rev. Donald B. Green, executive director of Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania, in a statement

"Personally, I rejoice with the news of this appointment. I am very pleased for what it will mean to the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Bishop Zubik knows, loves and has served the Church of Pittsburgh, and has walked with it through all of its many moments of challenge and development for the past 20 years. My prayer is that God will bless him and his ministry and of course the Church of Pittsburgh."

-- Archbishop Donald Wuerl, of Washington, D.C., in a statement

"I think he'll carry on the tradition of Bishop Wuerl, who was as much a community leader as a religious leader. Bishop Wuerl was very inclusive. Because Bishop Zubik was basically his right-hand man, I think he'll be in the same vein. He's a guy who understands the community and that this is a unique place."

-- Mark DeSantis, Republican mayoral candidate

"He's bright, articulate, interested in the world and a good friend of the Jewish community. ... I think he will be a wonderful leader."

--Rabbi Alvin Berkun, rabbi emeritus of Tree of Life Congregation in Squirrel Hill and president of the Rabbinical Assembly, an international organization of conservative rabbis

"He's always been a very down-to-earth, personable individual, very easy to get along with. I think he's a very spiritual man and a good listener. Bishop Zubik's appointment pleases me, as it gives me great hope for his support of the Catholic identity of Mercy Hospital when the hospital merges with UPMC. Bishop Zubik has great loyalty to and love for Mercy Hospital."

-- Sister Patricia Mary Hespelein, vice president at Pittsburgh Mercy Health System, in a statement

"I think it's very thrilling to have him back in Pittsburgh, and I know that he knows and understands the challenges that face him. I couldn't have found a better partner and person who was good at collaborating. He was great, committed to the vision that we shared."

-- Sister Anna Marie Gaglia, former principal of Quigley High School when Bishop Zubik was assistant principal

"Of course we're all happy as larks here -- he's a native son and we're just tickled to death. I think he comes in with heads up because he knows the parishes, he knows the priests. It's always nice to go away and have another experience, and then be able to come back."

-- Dr. Mary Frances Grasinger, professor at Duquesne University and former colleague of Bishop Zubik

"It is with great joy that I welcome Bishop Zubik back to the Diocese of Pittsburgh. I had the great privilege of working with him in our diocesan administration. Bishop Zubik is a prayerful, caring leader."

-- Sister Margaret Hannan, president, Pittsburgh Sisters of Mercy, in a statement

"I think the appointment is welcomed by all of our priests because he's so well known here. ... From what I've heard so far, I think there's a great deal of excitement tinged with surprise ... because he'd only been in Green Bay less than four years."

-- The Rev. John Rushofsky, director of priests, deacons and parish life collaborators, Diocese of Pittsburgh

"I consider him a longtime personal friend and have high regard for his administrative skills, his pastoral zeal and sterling priestly qualities. I look forward to working again with him as a Pennsylvania bishop and am delighted to have him as a close diocesan neighbor. The Holy Father has made an excellent choice!"

-- Greensburg Bishop Lawrence E. Brandt, in a statement

"I want to extend my sincere congratulations to Bishop David Zubik on his selection to lead the Diocese of Pittsburgh. I look forward to welcoming Bishop Zubik back to his hometown and establishing a close relationship with him as we work together on regional issues."

-- Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato, in a statement

"I've met him. He's a good man. I think he will bring a mixture of compassion, intellect and leadership."

-- U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Upper St. Clair

"He's a local guy. Pittsburghers like their own. I'm glad to see he's coming home."

-- U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Forest Hills