Stocker Invitation for Pope Leo XIV.

"I told the Pope in English that it would be a great pleasure for us to welcome him to Austria," said Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) after Pope Leo XIV's mass on Sunday in a conversation with Austrian media in Rome.

Stocker hopes "that the Pope's voice for peace and tolerance in difficult times of conflict will be heard"

"After the mass, I had the opportunity to briefly get to know the Pope and exchange a few words. I took the opportunity to convey the best wishes of the Austrian Republic to the Pope and invite him to visit us. As a Cardinal, Robert Francis Prevost was in Vienna in November. I told him that I would be pleased if he would visit Austria again now as Pope. Of course, it depends on the Pope's schedule whether this visit will take place," explained Stocker. The Chancellor expressed hope "that the Pope's voice for peace and tolerance in difficult times of conflict will be heard." "The Pope's voice is of utmost importance, especially in these hard times. Many hopes are associated with the new pontificate," explained Stocker.

Stocker was impressed by the atmosphere at the mass marking the beginning of the pontificate: "Today is a day I will not forget." Thanks to the presence of many delegations, he had the opportunity to exchange words with some heads of government. "We have already met some of them in Tirana at the European Political Community summit. However, it is always good to have opportunities to exchange," said Stocker. The Austrian delegation also included Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS), Federal Council President Andrea Eder-Gitschthaler (ÖVP), and National Council President Walter Rosenkranz (FPÖ). The domestic Catholic Church was represented by the Chairman of the Bishops' Conference, Salzburg's Archbishop Franz Lackner, and Graz Bishop Wilhelm Krautwaschl.

Salzburg's Archbishop hopes for a visit from Pope Leo XIV to Austria

Salzburg's Archbishop Lackner expressed hope that the new Pope will accept the invitation to visit Austria. "The new Pope would be most welcome with us. I believe it would be good for the Church if he came to Austria," said Lackner to the APA. He described the service for the new Pope as very moving. "Since the death of Francis, one has felt that the Pope is missing. There was a lack of an instance to look up to. Today, one really felt the joy on St. Peter's Square. It was noticeable that we are a community that spans the world. The Cardinals were guided by the Holy Spirit in the election of the Pope," said Lackner. He expressed hope that the Pope will soon appoint a new Archbishop of Vienna. Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen wished the new Pope "all the best for his special, responsible task" on behalf of the Austrians in an online post. He expressed "full confidence that he will advocate for the needy and marginalized of this world and the protection of creation," wrote the President. The great interest in the inauguration underscores the role as a "bridge builder between continents, cultures, religious communities, languages."

Major Thomas Saurer, the regional commander of the Tyrolean Riflemen, was also present at the mass marking the beginning of Leo XIV's pontificate at St. Peter's Square. "This service was a significant moment for the world church, which touches and connects us riflemen. Our presence in Rome fills us with pride and underscores the deep spiritual and historical connection of our riflemen's tradition with the Roman Catholic Church," said Saurer to the APA. "As riflemen, we are bearers of values that are more necessary today than ever: reliability, willingness to sacrifice, solidarity, and responsibility. In a time of change, the riflemen and marketenderinnen of Tyrol stand by their principles: For God, for the homeland, and for our fellow human beings. We thank Pope Leo XIV for his courageous 'yes' to this high office and wish him strength, wisdom, and God's rich blessing for his path," said Saurer.

(APA/red)

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