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Austria’s Bishops Conference Welcomes New Chairman Amid Social Welfare Push

A changing of the guard in Austria’s Church signals renewed focus on social welfare. Can the new leader strengthen trust in aid amid growing challenges?

In this picture we see people celebrating their first annual thesis throwdown. The top of the roof...
In this picture we see people celebrating their first annual thesis throwdown. The top of the roof is decorated with ribbons and few people present here are wearing caps.

Austria’s Bishops Conference Welcomes New Chairman Amid Social Welfare Push

Archbishop Josef Grünwidl is set to take over as the next chairman of Austria's bishops' conference, following the departure of Archbishop Franz Lackner by summer 2026 at the latest. The Vatican prefers bishops to step down before reaching the age of 75.

Grünwidl's appointment comes as Austria's bishops emphasize the importance of a strong welfare state. They have expressed concerns about methods that could erode trust in aid organizations. The bishops' conference, under Lackner's leadership, has consistently advocated for social justice and the protection of vulnerable individuals.

With Lackner's departure, Grünwidl is poised to lead Austria's bishops in their mission to uphold the country's social welfare system and maintain trust in its aid organizations. His appointment aligns with the Vatican's preference for younger leadership in the episcopate.

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