Newly appointed Bishop thinks women in priesthood inevitable

Switzerland: New Bishop of St. Gallen to be consecrated on July 5

Beat Grögli: "I am convinced that the Christian message is good for the world"

The new diocesan bishop of St. Gallen, Switzerland, Beat Grögli, will be consecrated bishop at 10:30 a.m. on July 5 in St. Gallen Cathedral. Pope Leo XIV appointed the 54-year-old former cathedral priest as bishop on Thursday, thereby confirming the election of the St. Gallen Cathedral Chapter. "I am convinced that the Christian message is good for the world," Grögli said in an initial media interview after his appointment, according to the Swiss portal "kath.ch." He also wants to make it "audible" as bishop and offer it to others.

He accepts his new task "with joy and respect" and thanks everyone "who patiently and confidently walks this path with me," said the appointed bishop. Pope Francis, who died a month ago, reaffirmed this "synodal fundamental structure" to the Church, and the new Pope Leo XIV has confirmed it. "Only together can we walk this path, listening attentively to one another," Grögli expressed his conviction.

Grögli's episcopal motto is "In concordiam Christi." It is inspired by the heart of Jesus and is open to all people. Concordiam, or concordance, means walking together, the appointed bishop explained. "Togetherness in the Church will be very important in the coming years." And there is a clear point of orientation for this: Christ, his life, and his message.

He has "no government program," Grögli replied to a corresponding question from the media. As a cathedral priest, it was important to him that "we are visible" and proclaim the Christian message in an understandable way. "I would like to continue this as bishop."

Against a "Men's Church"

According to kath.ch, Grögli was also asked about his view of the position of women in the Church. "I am convinced that women will be given greater responsibility and that we will walk this path together. It is not acceptable for us to shape the Church only as a men's church," was his response.

"Ordination is a big step," said the new Bishop of St. Gallen regarding the ordination of women. "Before that, there are many small steps that are just as important. For example, the promotion of female pastoral workers."

The ordination of female deacons and priests is a "very demanding issue" associated with many challenges, such as in dialogue with the Orthodox Church, Grögli pointed out. "But the path must be taken." When asked whether he now supports the ordination of women, Grögli said: "I think it will happen. Someday."

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