Bishop David A. Zubik of the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh is undergoing back surgery this morning at UPMC Mercy.

According to a Diocese of Pittsburgh news release, Bishop Zubik had been experiencing back pain for some time from a herniated disc and all attempts to correct the problem have failed. The surgery, originally scheduled for later in the Spring, was moved up to this week at the advice of Bishop Zubik’s doctors, led by Dr. Daniel Bursick who will be in charge of the operation.

Most of the bishop’s scheduled events for the next two weeks are being covered by diocesan staff. The bishop’s doctors are anticipating a quick recovery and his return to his normal schedule shortly.