Modernists at war in Vienna. Archbishop Grünwidl turns on Vienna Cathedral priest Faber over celibacy vow.

Archbishop Grünwidl confirms problems surrounding celibacy with Vienna Cathedral priest Faber

The new Archbishop of Vienna, Josef Grünwidl, has publicly confirmed for the first time that there are apparently problems surrounding the celibacy of Vienna Cathedral Priest Toni Faber. In an interview with the Tiroler Tageszeitung on April 5, Grünwidl stated that Faber had “found a solution regarding priestly celibacy that I find difficult to accept. We are in discussions to find a solution.”

Grünwidl did not explicitly say that Faber is breaking his vow of celibacy.

He had previously praised Faber's priestly commitment: "I greatly value Toni Faber; we were ordained priests together. He is very hardworking, constantly on the go, and in conversation with many people. He baptizes, celebrates weddings, and accompanies people through illness and bereavement."

Faber, known beyond Vienna as the "society priest," regularly appears at Viennese social events accompanied by a woman. When asked if she was his partner, Faber replied, according to the news portal Heute: "I don't refer to any woman as my partner, but I am very happy to have Natalie by my side at official events. As a good friend, she always knows that I stand by her, and she by me."

Grünwidl emphasized that he considers celibacy a valuable way of life. "I am convinced that celibacy is a wonderful way of life. I have lived this way myself for almost 40 years," he said. At the same time, he advocated for an open theological discussion: “My question is whether celibacy must always be a prerequisite for being a priest. It's different in our Orthodox and Protestant sister churches.”

The Archbishop was not convinced by the priest shortage as an argument for abolishing mandatory celibacy. “Abandoning celibacy or addressing the issue of women in the priesthood will not cause the Church to explode and grow again and inspire the masses once more,” he said.

Nevertheless, he would welcome a reassessment: “I would be happier if this question were considered and then it were said that those who feel called to celibate life should live that way – but that there is also the possibility of being a priest with a family.”

Grünwidl had already served as administrator of the Archdiocese of Vienna for a year before Pope Leo XIV appointed him archbishop in October 2025. He received his episcopal consecration on January 24 from Cardinal Christoph Schönborn OP, who had led the archdiocese for approximately 30 years.

The Latin Church's requirement of celibacy is rooted in the imitation of Christ, who himself lived unmarried. It enables the priest, beyond conforming himself to Christ, to be entirely available to his congregation.

As an eschatological sign, it points to the fact that marriage does not take place in the perfect communion with God (cf. Mt 22:30). Paul VI. He described celibacy in Sacerdotalis caelibatus of 1967 as "a complete and generous devotion to the mystery of Christ." Married priests in the Eastern Catholic Churches and among converts represent a historically grounded exception.

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Father Faber's long and dismal record.  He has been in the post far too long.   The Cardinal turned a bling eye.