The wait is over. The Archdiocese of Vienna is getting a new archbishop. The Apostolic Nuncio to Austria, Archbishop Pedro López Quintana, delivered the Holy Father's decision to the Austrian government on Wednesday afternoon, October 15. Shortly before 4:30 p.m., he arrived at the Foreign Ministry to officially announce the Pope's choice.
According to diplomatic protocol, the Austrian cabinet must now confirm the decision in a so-called circular vote, which is only a formality. Once approved, the name of the new Archbishop of Vienna will be published in the Vatican Bulletin (Bollettino Vaticano).
The big favorite
The 62-year-old Monsignor Josef Grünwidl, who has been administering the Archdiocese of Vienna as Apostolic Administrator since Pope Francis accepted the resignation of the previous Archbishop of Vienna, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, on January 22, has the best chances.
The Austrian daily newspaper Die Presse published this information as “certain,” which would suggest an indiscretion. The Austrian television station ORF reported the same in its news program Zeit im Bild. However, such “indiscretions” are relatively common in Austria, precisely because of the concordat process, which requires the government to be informed before the appointment is announced.
However, Grünwidl would be, as he himself admitted, “archbishop against his will.” In an interview with ORF in August, he said, “I don't see myself in this role. This decision rests with the Holy Father.” At the same time, however, he added, "Recently, several people have reminded me that I myself have emphasized obedience in the Church. If this is indeed the case, I will see how I decide."
The news is announced by Austria's largest bell
Following the official announcement by the Vatican, the public will be informed of the new archbishop in the traditional manner: by the ringing of the Pummerin bell in St. Stephen's Cathedral.
Austria's largest bell is currently “out of tune,” but experts are scheduled to repair it on Thursday morning so that it can ring during the ceremonial announcement.
Whether the new archbishop will also receive the rank of cardinal is questionable and rather unlikely. The emeritus Archbishop of Vienna, Christoph Schönborn, will remain a cardinal for life, although he will no longer be able to play an active role since his 80th birthday on January 22 until a new pope is elected.
It is interesting to note that he ranks directly after the Federal President in the protocol hierarchy.
The article originally appeared on the website DoKostola.sk.