Dancing must stop for Father Faber as he is evicted from the Cathedral Parish in Vienna. Too much even for the ultra-progressive Grünwidl

Apparently, retirement is on the cards for troubled Cathedral Priest Toni Faber

Talks with Archbishop Grünwidl appear to have yielded a solution. Contrary to his initial stance, Faber can now imagine retiring as Cathedral Priest, he told the STANDARD.

It had been a topic of discussion in Catholic circles for some time: The new Archbishop of Vienna, Josef Grünwidl, was having "serious talks" with the Cathedral Priest of St. Stephen's, Toni Faber, about his public conduct. Faber not only appeared at all sorts of society events, acting as a sort of spiritual advisor, but he also made it increasingly clear in public that he didn't take celibacy very seriously.

Now, as the press reports, things have become serious. Faber, who will turn 65 next year, is to retire as cathedral pastor. This is relatively unusual for Catholic priests, as many – partly due to the shortage of priests – remain in office well into their seventies. Faber is to be given another position; he is only to relinquish the prestigious and high-profile post of Vienna Cathedral pastor.

Toni Faber himself told the STANDARD the following: They are in "good discussions," and he could – contrary to his initial stance – imagine retiring as cathedral pastor, but hopes to continue serving at St. Stephen's as a regular priest, celebrating Masses, baptisms, and so on. The archdiocesan secretariat stated on Tuesday that discussions are underway.

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