Apostolic Administrator in Vienna wants Council to decide on female ordination

Vienna awaits a new Archbishop: The Apostolic Administrator now says when he expects a successor to Cardinal Schönborn. At the same time, he calls for church reforms – especially regarding the role of women.

The Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Vienna, Josef Grünwidl, expects Cardinal Christoph Schönborn to be succeeded soon. He could imagine "there being a new Archbishop of Vienna in Advent. And I hope so too," he said in an interview with the "Niederösterreichische Nachrichten" (NÖN). Until then, he will remain in office – but "otherwise, my time as administrator would last over a year, and that has never been the case," Grünwidl said.

As Administrator, the primary task is to maintain life in the Archdiocese. This is not just about administration, but also about shaping things within a certain framework, he explained. He will continue all projects decided upon by Schönborn and regularly coordinates with him.

No longer postponing the women's issue

Grünwidl clearly positioned himself on current reform debates, particularly the role of women in the Church. "If you look at life in the parishes, you realize that it wouldn't work without women. I believe it's time to involve women more strongly in decision-making bodies," he emphasized. That's why he recently appointed three women to the diocesan leadership team.

Regarding the question of a possible ordination of women, Grünwidl said: "It's certainly a current topic. And I also notice in conversations, especially with young people, that there's a lack of understanding of why women are excluded from the priesthood from the outset because of their gender." The Church cannot postpone this issue much longer. A thorough theological debate is necessary and ultimately a Council must decide.

Regarding the role of the Church in society, Grünwidl emphasized that while there is much to criticize, the Church is "better than its reputation." It can create a foundation for social coexistence – across political camps and divides. We must learn again "to respect one another, to keep the conversation going, to reconcile, and to walk a path together." This, after all, is the fundamental mission of the Church.

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Cathcon: Father Grünwidl wants the celibacy rule to be abolished and is in favour of the female diaconate