Josef Grünwidl: New Archbishop of Vienna – A pastor with vision!

Josef Grünwidl: New Archbishop of Vienna – A pastor with vision!

There is news from the Vienna Archdiocese! On October 17, 2025, Pope Leo XIV appointed Josef Grünwidl as the new Archbishop of Vienna. He is succeeding long-serving Archbishop Christoph Schönborn, who left office in January 2023 at the age of 80. Grünwidl, who has served as Apostolic Administrator since January 2023, brings a lot of experience with him. Among other things, he was Schönborn's secretary and was active in community pastoral care for a long time. His consecration and ceremonial inauguration are scheduled for January 24, 2026 in St. Stephen's Cathedral, which represents a significant occasion for the Catholic community.

The new archbishop, 62 years old and native of Hollabrunn, studied theology and organ in Vienna. He was ordained as a priest in 1988 by Cardinal Franz König. In his career to date, Grünwidl has distinguished himself as a pastor, although he may lack the universal church experience compared to Schönborn. The appointment was confirmed by both the Archdiocese of Vienna and the Vatican in a joint press release, and the reactions to his election have been overwhelmingly positive. The Austrian Bishops' Conference is pleased with the decision and sees him as a valuable choice for the approximately one million Catholics in Vienna, the most important diocese in Austria. Loud Vatican News Grünwidl himself sees his new position as challenging.

A pastor with a clear vision

In a video message, Grünwidl expressed his joy at being able to take on this important office. He sees himself as a pastor and shepherd who is ready to accompany people on their journey through life. During his time as Apostolic Administrator, he also took a financial position to relax compulsory celibacy and was a member of the reform group “Pfarrer-Initiative Österreich”. These aspects bring fresh thinking into the church and are symbolic of the desired spiritual renewal.

The fact that Pope Francis has lifted the automaticity of the cardinalate status for the office of Archbishop of Vienna also sends a very special signal. This sets the stage for changes and a new course in the archdiocese. Archbishop Emeritus Schönborn also spoke positively about Grünwidl's appointment and emphasized that the archdiocese was in good hands. The Vienna government plays a role in such appointment processes, but federal government objections are not binding, meaning Grünwidl's liberal approaches need not face political resistance.

A celebratory beginning

A short time after his appointment, Grünwidl held a prayer in St. Stephen's Cathedral, which symbolizes his new path. With the different nature of his administration, he could bring a breath of fresh air into the religious community. Many in the diocese are eagerly awaiting what the future archbishop will accomplish in the coming years.

The official announcement of the appointment and the upcoming episcopal ordination on January 24, 2026 are already casting their shadows. Expectations are high, and many are hoping for a committed and adaptable shepherd who values ​​and promotes the diversity of the Catholic religious community in Vienna. And so we look to the future with confidence under the leadership of Josef Grünwidl.

You can find more information about this at Church and life as well as Catholic.at.