Josef Grünwidl: New Archbishop of Vienna with a fresh course!

Josef Grünwidl: New Archbishop of Vienna with a fresh course!

On October 17, 2025, Pope Leo XIV appointed 62-year-old Josef Grünwidl as the new Archbishop of Vienna. This decision was officially announced today by both the Vatican and the Archdiocese of Vienna. Grünwidl succeeds Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, who left office in January 2023 after 80 years. After 37 years as a priest in the archdiocese and 32 years as a pastor, he now appears ready to take over the leadership of Austria's most important diocese.

The episcopal ordination will take place on January 24, 2026 in St. Stephen's Cathedral, a place that is not only known for its architectural beauty but is also considered the heart of the Catholic community in Vienna. On the day of the appointment, a prayer took place in St. Stephen's Cathedral to properly honor this transition. A press conference was also held with Grünwidl in which he spoke about his plans and visions.

A down-to-earth modernizer

Josef Grünwidl, a native of Hollabrunn in Lower Austria, studied theology and organ in Vienna and was ordained a priest by Cardinal Franz König in 1988. He speaks of himself as a pastor and bridge builder who strives to maintain contact with people. “The Church is alive, despite the challenges we are currently experiencing,” he emphasizes, pointing to the more than 75,000 volunteers and 1,500 religious teachers in the archdiocese.

Grünwidl takes a modern position on issues such as celibacy and advocates that the decision to be celibate should be left to each individual. He is convinced that married and single priests are equal and there is no reason to prefer either way of life. The role of women in the church is also close to his heart; he wants women to be actively integrated into decision-making bodies.

A good hand for the future

After past experiences as secretary to Cardinal Schönborn and episcopal vicar, Grünwidl sees the spiritual renewal of the church as a central concern. “God doesn’t want me to be perfect, but rather available,” he explained in a first statement. This shows his willingness to bring a breath of fresh air into the archdiocese and initiate changes.

The Austrian Bishops' Conference reacted unanimously positively to Grünwidl's appointment, and the Vienna government, which plays a role in the appointment of diocesan bishops according to a concordat between the Holy See and Austria, also raised no objections. To the surprise of many, Pope Francis has lifted the automaticity of the cardinalate for the office of Archbishop of Vienna, which represents a reform of the traditional approach.

With a clear focus on spiritual and community issues, Grünwidl wants to use the church's treasures, such as art, culture and rituals, to bring people closer to the church. “With these treasures we can build bridges to the people,” said the new archbishop. The anticipation of what may come is palpable in the Viennese Catholic community, and many are optimistic about the future and the new course that Josef Grünwidl wants to set.