Vatican confirms:

Josef Grünwidl appointed Archbishop of Vienna

Josef Grünwidl was appointed Archbishop of Vienna by the Vatican.(Bild: Stephan Schönlaub)

Austria has a new supreme pastor: As the "Krone" had already reported in advance, Josef Grünwidl has now been appointed Archbishop of Vienna by the Vatican. He succeeds Cardinal Christoph Schönborn.

"The Holy Father has appointed the former Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Vienna, Josef Grünwidl, as Archbishop of Vienna (Austria)," the Vatican announced on Friday. 

Grünwidl had temporarily taken over Schönborn's agendas following his retirement on January 22. The election of the 62-year-old has now been made official. The Council of Ministers, to which the matter must be referred in accordance with the Concordat, has already approved the appointment.

"Continue to be a shepherd close to the people"
Grünwidl's predecessor Schönborn, who has known his successor for 34 years, said in an initial reaction: "He is an experienced pastor and a real bridge builder. It is also important for Vienna that he is an outstanding church musician. My wish for him: continue to be a shepherd who is so close to people."

Josef Grünwidl was appointed Archbishop of Vienna by the Vatican.(Bild: Stephan Schönlaub)

Grünwidl himself said in an initial reaction that they had waited a long time for the decision from Rome: "The fact that it took so long also has a bit to do with me. But now it is the case, Pope Leo has appointed me archbishop. After a long period of hesitation, I have now said yes with all my heart." He is looking forward to this "great and challenging task", Grünwidl continued: "Even if there are fewer of us, we are no less important for people and for our society."

Consecration in the second half of January
The Pummerin is traditionally rung in Vienna to mark the appointment of the new archbishop. Before Grünwidl can "take possession" of the episcopal see, he still has to be consecrated bishop. According to the archdiocese, this consecration would probably be carried out by his predecessor Schönborn, probably in the second half of January 2026.

Josef Grünwidl and his predecessor Cardinal Christoph Schönborn(Bild: Jöchl Martin)

Congratulations from the political elite
Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen has already congratulated Schönborn's designated successor via social media: "All the best for this responsible service for a church that listens and connects."

Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) expressed his delight and wished the new archbishop "much strength and confidence for the tasks in his new office". Minister of Culture Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP) emphasized that Pope Leo XIV had chosen an "archbishop who knows the church in all its facets" in Grünwidl. Expressions of joy also came from NEOS leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger and Green Party leader Leonore Gewessler, who is looking forward to a first exchange.

Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) emphasized that he had come to know Grünwidl as a "very level-headed, prudent and open-minded pastor, priest and church representative". With his appointment as Archbishop of Vienna, Pope Leo XIV had appointed a "personality who is respected far beyond the Catholic Church as the successor to Cardinal Christoph Schönborn". Congratulations also came from the Governor of Lower Austria, Johanna Mikl-Leitner (ÖVP). She wished the native of Lower Austria "much strength and God's blessing for this responsible task".

Caritas looks forward to working together
Caritas of the Archdiocese of Vienna is looking forward to working with the new Archbishop, who stands for a church that is close to people and recognizes need. Missio Austria was also pleased, as was the reform movement "We are Church". Grünwidl's appointment is "a pleasing signal to the church people of the Archdiocese of Vienna", said the latter.

Will Grünwidl also become a cardinal?
Whether Grünwidl, like Schönborn and his predecessors, will also be appointed a cardinal and thus have the right to vote in the election of the next pope remains to be seen.

According to a spokesperson for the archdiocese, due to the historical role of the diocese of Vienna, it has been customary for the Archbishop of Vienna to be appointed Cardinal by the Pope after a certain period of time. However, there is no canonical provision for this. Pope Francis recently broke away from this tradition. It is not clear how the current Pope Leo will deal with this issue. He has not yet appointed any bishops.