New Archbishop of Vienna: Josef Grünwidl starts with reforms!

New Archbishop of Vienna: Josef Grünwidl starts with reforms!

The election of Josef Grünwidl as the new Archbishop of Vienna was watched with great attention. The 62-year-old Hollabrunner, known for his open and reform-minded attitude, was officially appointed to his new position on October 16, 2025. He succeeds Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, whose views differ on many points from those of the new archbishop. Grünwidl, who has served as Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Vienna since January 22, 2025, would like to bring a breath of fresh air into the church.

Josef Grünwidl is no stranger to the Archdiocese of Vienna. Growing up in Wullersdorf, after graduating from high school in 1981, he attended the Vienna seminary and then studied theology at the University of Vienna and organ performance at the University of Music. He was ordained as a deacon and priest in 1987 and 1988. After various pastoral positions, including as a youth pastor and secretary to Cardinal Schönborn, he made a name for himself as a competent and committed priest.

A man of reforms

Grünwidl is a supporter of reforms in the church. He is openly in favor of including women in the diaconate and has emphasized that the compulsory commitment to lifelong celibacy is unacceptable to him. Its goals are a “wholesome decentralization” of the church and new ways of cooperation between parishes. “Pastoral work should be more of a focus,” said the new archbishop, who also sees a clear need for clarification on the issue of women in the church.

While in the past he had reservations about taking on the office of archbishop, he has now bowed to the will of the Pope and is ready to serve in this new role. "I can relax in nature and find balance while playing music. I also appreciate the Rule of Benedict and St. Teresa of Avila," explains Grünwidl, who is also a big fan of Loriot.

Background and reactions

Official confirmation of his appointment is still pending. However, according to reports from the archdiocese, the pope's decision has already been conveyed to the Foreign Ministry. Grünwidl is expected to be officially named as the new archbishop in a circular resolution by the Council of Ministers. This is in accordance with the Concordat, which stipulates that the Holy See must communicate the names of candidates to the federal government.

The reactions to Grünwidl's election are consistently positive. He is described as a pastorally grounded leader and an understanding conversation partner. His predecessor, Cardinal Schönborn, was known for a more conservative course, while Grünwidl is much more open to reforms and takes the concerns of the laity seriously. This could also be necessary in times of change in the Catholic Church, as evidenced by numerous complaints about the dwindling interest in traditional church structures.

Josef Grünwidl is ready for the challenges that the coming years will bring in the Archdiocese of Vienna. It remains exciting to see how his reform concerns shape the community and whether they can bring about the desired change in the church.

For more information about Josef Grünwidl and his education, you can take a look at the detailed biographies available at Archdiocese of Vienna can be found or on interesting reports katholisch.at read up. It also offers a detailed analysis of his person and his visions The press.