Until the new bishop

Administrator for the archdiocese: what happens next

Cardinal Christoph Schönborn has retired and the current episcopal vicar Josef Grünweidl is temporarily leading the archdiocese as administrator - until a new archbishop is appointed.(Bild: Erzdiözese Wien/Stephan Schönlaub )

Cardinal Christoph Schönborn has now retired as Archbishop of Vienna. Josef Grünwidl, the current episcopal vicar, will temporarily take over the leadership of the archdiocese. An episcopal successor has not yet been named - so it remains exciting.

"I like you!" said Cardinal Christoph Schönborn in his farewell message on his 80th birthday on Wednesday. Pope Francis had previously accepted his resignation as Archbishop of Vienna and appointed the current Episcopal Vicar Josef Grünwidl as Apostolic Administrator - but not Schönborn's episcopal successor.