New archbishop for Vienna? Grünwidl expects decision until Advent!

New archbishop for Vienna? Grünwidl expects decision until Advent!

in Vienna it gets down to the matter: the archdiocese faces significant changes. Josef Grünwidl, since January 22, 2025 Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Vienna, expects the appointment of a new archbishop to Advent. The archbishop there, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, submitted his application for resignation on the same day because he turned 80. This has paved the way for a new tour, and Grünwidl emphasizes that his task in the transition period is to maintain life within the archdiocese and to continue the ongoing projects that were decided under Schönborn.

The appointment of the new archbishop has caused a lot of conversation. Press spokesman Michael Prüller noted that the temporary solution in Rome indicates that a decision about the next archbishop is already in the starting blocks. "It could go quickly, we hope for a decision in the next few weeks," explains Prüller, who is confident that the process has already progressed well. For the believers and the community leaders, the soon to be a significant change that will have far -reaching effects on the archdiocese could have.

The way from Josef Grünwidl

Josef Grünwidl himself has an impressive career. The native of Lower Austrians was born on January 31, 1963 in Hollabrunn and grew up in Wullersdorf. After studying theology in Vienna and further studies by the organ at the Vienna University of Music University, he took over various leading positions within the church. His last role before the appointment as Apostolic Administrator was that of the Bishop Vicar for the Vicariate South. In his previous career, Grünwidl has proven a good hand to set decisive impulses.

Grünwidl not only campaigns for the continuity of the church projects, but also pleads for a stronger role of women in the church's decision -making bodies. "It is important that we do not postpone the topics of women's consecration and their discussions," he said. Recently he even appointed three women to the diocesan management team. These measures testify to a clear will to reform, which is considered urgently necessary for some time. Last but not least, the pressure on modernization also comes from the reformatory churches that have taken a different view in recent decades.

A look at the future

His view of the role of the church is not without a critical note. Grünwidl believes that the church is "better than its reputation" and can create a necessary basis for social interaction. Despite the challenges, he is optimistic that the church can find its place in the modern world. The challenges that arise from Schönborn's resignation and the vacant archbishop position could therefore offer the necessary space for a positive change.

Vienna can look forward to the coming weeks if the course set for the future of the archdiocese. Until then, the question remains for the interested public: Who will be the next Archbishop of Vienna?

at a time when changes seem inevitable, it is particularly important that the voices of all in the church are heard. The goal must be a strong community that not only accepts the challenge, but also remains sustainable. The time will show how the archdiocese under the interim management of Josef Grünwidl will develop until the new archbishop takes on its task.

The corresponding reports can be found here for further information: Domradio, Erzdioezese Vienna] (https://www.erzdioezese-wien.at/unit/edwadlinistrator/home), kath.net.