Josef Grünwidl takes over as Archbishop of Vienna

Josef Grünwidl will be the new Archbishop of Vienna. The Vatican announced this in its "Bollettino" on Friday afternoon. Since the resignation of his predecessor Cardinal Christoph Schönborn in January of this year, Grünwidl has already been serving as Apostolic Administrator in the diocese. A press conference with the future archbishop will take place at 1 PM.

The 62-year-old had actually emphasized in the past that he did not want to take on the office. "After some hesitation, I have now wholeheartedly said 'yes' to this task," Grünwidl is quoted in a statement from the archdiocese. Schönborn, meanwhile, was pleased "to know our archdiocese is in good hands."

Grünwidl: Archbishop of Vienna and Cardinal?

The Council of Ministers, which must be involved in the matter according to the concordat, has already approved the personnel decision. Grünwidl must now be consecrated as bishop. According to the archdiocese, Schönborn is expected to conduct this consecration, likely in the second half of January 2026. Whether Grünwidl, like Schönborn and his predecessors, will also be appointed cardinal and thus gain voting rights in the election of the next pope, remains open for now.

Van der Bellen congratulated

On Friday, the appointment of Josef Grünwidl as the new Archbishop of Vienna was welcomed with unanimous joy. Congratulations came from Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, who wished Grünwidl "all the best for this responsible service." Expressions of joy also came from Grünwidl's colleagues. They stated that he is a good choice and they look forward to working together, as the Austrian bishops noted.

Archbishop Franz Lackner, Chairman of the Bishops' Conference, wrote of "great joy" throughout the Church in Austria. Vienna is getting a "true shepherd, a pastor" with Grünwidl. Similar sentiments were expressed by the Bishop of Graz, Wilhelm Krautwaschl. Grünwidl is well-suited for the office. The Bishop of Innsbruck, Hermann Gletter, who was himself considered a candidate, saw the Pope's decision as "solid." For the Bishop of Carinthia, Josef Marketz, Grünwidl is already well acquainted with the specific challenges and peculiarities of the Church in Vienna. As an administrator, he has gained much sympathy. The Bishop of Vorarlberg, Benno Elbs, described the successor to Cardinal Christoph Schönborn as a sensitive mediator of the Gospel.

Evangelical Superintendent of Vienna calls it a "gift"

Consistently positive reactions also came on Friday according to Kathpress from other Christian denominations. The Chairman of the Ecumenical Council of Churches in Austria (ÖRKÖ), Bishop Tiran Petrosyan, highlighted in his congratulatory letter on behalf of all faith communities the previous relations with the Catholic Church and in particular with the Archdiocese of Vienna. They look forward to the expected "continuation of good ecumenical cooperation in Austria" under Grünwidl, he wrote in a statement to the news agency Kathpress.

Bishop Michael Chalupka from the Evangelical Church expressed his delight that with Josef Grünwidl "the exemplary path of ecumenism in Austria can continue and be further deepened." The Evangelical Vienna Superintendent Matthias Geist described Grünwidl as a "gift." Congratulations and blessings also came from the Orthodox Metropolitan Arsenios Kardamakis.

"Hearty congratulations and best wishes" also came from the President of the Jewish Community (IKG), Oskar Deutsch: "We look forward to continuing the cooperation as with the highly esteemed predecessors Cardinal Christoph Schönborn and Cardinal Franz König," Deutsch announced via X.

Stocker wished new Vienna Archbishop "much strength and confidence"

Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) expressed his delight on X and wished the new Archbishop "much strength and confidence for the tasks in the new office." Minister of Culture Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP) emphasized that Pope Leo XIV has chosen an "Archbishop who knows the Church in all its facets" with Grünwidl. Expressions of joy also came from NEOS leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger and Green leader Leonore Gewessler, who looks forward to an initial exchange.

Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) emphasized that he has come to know Grünwidl as a "very prudent, considerate, and open-minded pastor, priest, and church representative." With his appointment as Vienna Archbishop, Pope Leo XIV has appointed a "personality respected far beyond the Catholic Church as a successor to Cardinal Christoph Schönborn." Congratulations also came from the Governor of Lower Austria, Johanna Mikl-Leitner (ÖVP). She wished the native of Lower Austria "much strength and God's blessing for this responsible task."

The Caritas of the Archdiocese of Vienna looks forward to working with the new Archbishop, who stands for a Church that is close to people and recognizes need. Missio Austria also expressed delight, as did the reform movement "We are Church." The appointment of Grünwidl is "a pleasing signal to the church people of the Archdiocese of Vienna," according to the latter.

(APA/Red)

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