Josef Grünwidl: The New Archbishop of Vienna in Profile

Since taking office as administrator, Josef Grünwidl frequently had to answer the question of whether he aspired to the position of archbishop. His answers were mostly evasive and directly negative in July. In an interview in the spring, the 62-year-old said he had informed the nuncio that he did not feel suitable for the task. Although others felt more called, Grünwidl convinced as a communicator and organizer during his short tenure. Due to his position in the archdiocese, he could not make major decisions, but he worked his way into the complex matter. He was handed 70 dossiers from his predecessor.

Progressive Positions of Josef Grünwidl

In terms of content, Grünwidl showed himself to be progressive as an administrator. The mandatory celibacy is not a concern for him, and in his opinion, the discussion about female deacons should also be actively pursued. As an administrator, he also included three women in the diocesan leadership team. This open attitude is not surprising, considering that Grünwidl was part of the Rome-critical Priests' Initiative around Helmut Schüller. Cardinal Schönborn even once summoned him for a report. It probably did not harm his career that he later left the initiative. The comparatively progressive Pope Francis had already taken the wind out of the initiative's sails. Moreover, Grünwidl stated that the keyword disobedience, which the Priests' Initiative had emblazoned on its banner, no longer fit for him.

Organ Studies of Josef Grünwidl at the Music University

The new archbishop was born in the Weinviertel, specifically in Hollabrunn, where he later attended the archiepiscopal high school. Grünwidl grew up in nearby Wullersdorf. The priesthood was not originally the only career option for the Lower Austrian. After graduating from high school, he entered the Vienna seminary but also completed organ studies at the Music University alongside his theology studies at the University of Vienna. After a year abroad in Würzburg, it was clear: "Music is my hobby, becoming a priest is my calling." The closeness to music has remained. Recently, he stated in an interview that music is a "nourishment" and a "path to God" for him. The same applies to nature experiences, such as hiking in the mountains. Grünwidl is also considered humorous, particularly fond of the German humorist Loriot.

Josef Grünwidl Ordained Priest by Cardinal König

In 1987, Grünwidl was ordained as a deacon by the Auxiliary Bishop of Vienna, Helmut Krätzl, and a year later as a priest by Cardinal Franz König. In his later career, he served in various parishes, such as St. Johann Nepomuk in Vienna, Wiener Neustadt, Kirchberg am Wechsel, St. Corona, and Perchtoldsdorf, where he was later appointed as dean and executive chairman of the Vienna Priests' Council. He resigned from the latter position when he was appointed Episcopal Vicar for the Vicariate South - Under the Vienna Woods in January 2023.

Grünwidl is more of a practitioner than the great theologian, which Schönborn is. However, he is distinguished by extensive pastoral experience, an experience that will hardly be detrimental in his new role. From his interviews, one can at least approximate what to expect from him in his new role. Grünwidl does not wish for a church "that constantly takes a stance on daily politics with a wagging finger." However, he believes it is the church's duty "to express itself on socio-political changes, where it concerns human dignity, justice, and also minorities, so that they do not fall by the wayside," as he stated in an interview with the church newspaper "Der Sonntag".

"He Must Be a Human Being"

What he took from the Parish Initiative was the attitude to courageously say what one thinks and also to make suggestions. Grünwidl named the most important qualification for the high Vienna church office in an ORF interview: "He must be a human being." Josef Grünwidl, born on January 31, 1963, in Hollabrunn (Lower Austria). Studies in theology and organ (concert subject). Ordained as a deacon in 1987 and as a priest in 1988. Subsequently, pastor in Kirchberg am Wechsel, Feistritz, St. Corona, Trattenbach, and Perchtoldsdorf (all Lower Austria). From 2016 to 2023, dean in Perchtoldsdorf and chairman of the Vienna Priests' Council, from 2023 Episcopal Vicar. From January 22, 2025, apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Vienna.

(APA/Red)

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