The Pope of the Vatican appoints a new head of the Austrian Church

Pope Francis I chose Pope Joseph Grunwedel to be the new archbishop of Austria, succeeding Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, who retired at the age of eighty.

The cardinal said – in statements today, Wednesday – Rome announced this afternoon that my term as archbishop Vienna ends today and this is an opportunity to thank God first and foremost because I was able to serve in this capacity for nearly 30 years. 

He added The Cardinal said it was close to his heart to be with people in different communities as much as possible, adding " I am very pleased that the Pope has chosen Joseph Grunwedel for this mission, who is a truly dear friend and has been a wonderful secretary for three years. 

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