Vienna Metropolitan, Archbishop Josef Grünwidl, one more time criticizes mandatory celibacy. Hierarch declares that he would be “happy” if there was discretion in this matter.
Josef Grünwidl became Archbishop of Vienna in early 2026. He succeeded Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, who retired from office. Grünwidl already in the first weeks of his ministry aroused a sensation, suggesting that a fresh function of women could be allowed in the Church, which means primarily the ordination of the deaconate in the German-speaking space. He besides spoke critically about celibacy. On Easter Sunday, an interview appeared online, in which he again deals with this problem.
The Archbishop said that he himself has lived in celibacy for 40 years and is satisfied with it. He believes, however, that this should not be required of all priests. – In our Church it was not always so that celibacy was compulsory. I would be happier if we considered the substance and said that whoever feels called into celibacy can live this way – but that there would besides be the anticipation of being a priest with his household – he said virtually in a conversation with “Tiroler Tageszeitung”.
Hierarch noted that leaving the compulsory celibacy or changing the function of women in the Church would not immediately make the Church “explod” by means of fresh vocations and again impress the masses; in his opinion, however, this would be crucial and helpful.
In the archdiocese of Vienna, Fr Toni Faber, parish priest of the cathedral, has been a sensation for a long time. Faber is constantly appearing in public with a female he describes as a “permanent companion” and his “very good friend”. Among another things, the priest is at large receptions or rautes—with a “permanent companion”. As Archbishop Grünwidl, erstwhile asked about the matter, said, “it is hard for him to accept the dissolution of the celibacy he has found,” Fr Faber, which is why there are “talks” on this issue.
Source: Katholisch.de
Pache
