New Archbishop of Vienna: Josef Grünwidl: “The Church must not be thought of in terms of priests”

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The new Archbishop of Vienna, Josef Grünwidl, expressed his gratitude and confidence in an interview with ORF presenter Marie-Claire Zimmermann on ZiB 2. He said he felt “a lot of momentum” and considered it a gift to be able to take on this task. At the same time, he knows that not everyone is happy with his appointment. Nevertheless, he wants to carry out his duties “with passion and enthusiasm” and gradually settle into his new role. The extensive church services at St. Stephen’s Cathedral are “always very moving experiences” for him, which reinforce his sense of responsibility.

Grünwidl emphasized that, in his opinion, the church should not be “thought of in terms of priests,” but rather in terms of congregations. The aim must be to empower local women and men to keep church life alive even when no priest is regularly present. He also wants to proceed cautiously when it comes to financial challenges: in view of declining membership numbers and numerous buildings, an open dialogue about necessary adjustments is essential. The goal is a building concept that “fits pastoral requirements.”

“I will try to bring a breath of fresh air”

In terms of content, the archbishop wants to strengthen his proximity to the people—especially young people. To this end, the archdiocese is planning a new project to establish contact with young people via social media. “I will try to bring a breath of fresh air,” said Grünwidl, but warned against seeing him as a great reformer or “savior.” Instead, he said, his goal is to convey the Gospel in a contemporary and credible way without forgetting the proven foundations of the Church.

Socially, Grünwidl also sees himself as a voice of warning on social issues. Despite economic challenges, Austria remains a strong country with a “groundwater level of solidarity.” Nevertheless, politicians must take care to reduce poverty, not increase it. “If we overlook the weakest in society, we create problems that will overwhelm us,” says Grünwidl. He wants the Church to be seen as a voice of togetherness and responsibility—a moral force that reminds us that “everyone matters.”