Austrian Catholic Church reshuffles leadership amid calls for global justice
The Austrian Catholic Bishops' Conference has announced new leadership roles and policy declarations after its latest meeting. Salzburg's Archbishop Franz Lackner confirmed he would not seek another term as president, while other bishops took on fresh responsibilities. The conference also issued statements on global conflicts, poverty, and support for persecuted Christians.
Archbishop Lackner, who currently leads the conference, made it clear he would step aside after his term. He even dismissed the idea of backing himself as the next president. Vienna's Archbishop Josef Grünwidl also ruled out running, citing his short time in office. This has left Graz Bishop Wilhelm Krautwaschl as a likely contender for the role. The election itself remains confidential, with any member eligible to stand.
The conference reshuffled several key positions. Bishop Manfred Scheuer will now manage global Church affairs, while Bishop Ägidius Zsifkovics takes charge of ecumenical dialogue. Military Bishop Werner Freistetter was given the Europe portfolio, and Innsbruck's Bishop Hermann Glettler will head the new Social Engagement department. Auxiliary Bishop Stephan Turnovszky of Vienna will oversee Relationships, Marriage, and Family, and Graz's Auxiliary Bishop Johannes Freitag will lead youth and children's ministry. Archbishop Lackner will handle media relations. Beyond personnel changes, the bishops issued declarations urging solidarity with persecuted Christians and calling for an end to wars worldwide. They also warned against austerity policies that hit the poorest hardest. Meanwhile, Franz Xaver Brandmayr was named the new rector of the Austrian Pilgrim Hospice in Jerusalem, replacing a predecessor accused of mistreating staff.
The bishops' conference has set new priorities while preparing for a leadership transition. With Lackner and Grünwidl out of the running, the presidency remains open. The appointed bishops will now take forward their assigned roles in global affairs, social engagement, and media relations. The group's statements on conflict, poverty, and persecution reflect its broader focus on justice and solidarity.
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