Austrian TV claims progressive frog-venerating Bishop is the public's choice to succeed Cardinal Schönborn. Alleged conservative smear campaign

Contemporary Witness Conversation with Hermann Glettler

Bishop Gletter would be the worst choice in this world and all parallel words

Cathcon on Glettler

Hermann Glettler has been Bishop of the Diocese of Innsbruck since 2017. The art-loving Styrian is repeatedly being considered as a successor to Cardinal Christoph Schönborn. On Monday, June 23, 2025, he will be a guest at the contemporary witness conversation in the Great Landhaus Hall.

Glettler often presents himself as progressive. He advocates for the ordination of women as deacons, communion for divorced and remarried people, and is positive about the ordination of married men as priests. Glettler said he was disappointed that the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith declared the blessing of same-sex couples impossible in the future.

Bishop Hermann studied theology and art history; the connection between art and church is important to him. He has expanded the "Ash Wednesday of the Artists" campaign in Innsbruck beyond the cathedral to other churches; this art repeatedly sparks emotional discussions. Glettler is himself active as an artist, and his works can be seen from time to time.

The busy bishop and author is also concerned with the contemporary communication of faith; for example, he has created an app with prayers.

Irritating statement about academic work

Hermann Glettler most recently attracted harsh criticism at the end of 2024. In a foreword to the investigation into structural abuse in church institutions, he described the working methods as unscientific – a statement he later qualified and apologized for.

Glettler seeks dialogue with the disadvantaged, the marginalized, and refugees. Since a trip to the refugee camps on the island of Lesbos several years ago, he has appealed to the government to allow churches and aid organizations to take in 100 families from the refugee camps. He argues that the Greek islands have become synonymous with the failure of European refugee policy.

Conservative circles within the church are trying to smear him for his positions in the Vatican. In Austria, he is still the preferred candidate for the office of archbishop of the resigned Cardinal Christoph Schönborn.

Source

Cathcon:  Conservative circles do not have to smear the Bishop, his record speaks volumes.