Archbishop Josef Grünwidl

Josef Grünwidl was born on January 31, 1963, in Hollabrunn (Metropolitan Archdiocese of Vienna). He attended the Vienna Seminary and studied Philosophy and Theology at the University of Vienna. He was ordained a priest on June 29, 1988, for the same Archdiocese. He held the following positions: Parochial Vicar of St. John Nepomucene in Vienna (1988–1991); Parochial Vicar of the Wiener Neustadt Cathedral (1991–1993); Diocesan Spiritual Assistant for Youth (1993–1995); Personal Secretary to the Metropolitan Archbishop of Vienna (1995–1998); Parish Priest and Dean in Kirchberg am Wechsel (1998–2014); Parish Priest and Dean in Perchtoldsdorf (2014–2023); Executive President of the Presbyteral Council of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Vienna (2023–2025); Honorary Canon of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna (2024–2025); and Episcopal Vicar for the *Unter dem Wienerwald* region (2023–2025). In January 2025, he was appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Vienna. Josef Grünwidl was born on January 31, 1963, in Hollabrunn, Lower Austria, and grew up in nearby Wullersdorf. In 1981, after completing his secondary education (*Matura*) in Hollabrunn, he entered the Vienna Seminary. Alongside his theology studies at the University of Vienna, he also pursued organ studies (concert performance) at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. Although initially torn between the two fields of study—and the visions of life associated with them—it became clear to him during the 1983/84 academic year, which he spent abroad in Würzburg, that music was his hobby, while the priesthood was his calling. From 1988 to 1991, Grünwidl served as a curate at St. John Nepomuk in Vienna; from 1991 to 1993, as curate of the cathedral parish in Wiener Neustadt; and finally, from 1993 to 1995, as the youth chaplain for the Archdiocese of Vienna. Starting in 1995, Grünwidl served as the first secretary to the newly appointed Archbishop of Vienna, Christoph Schönborn, a position he held until 1998. From 1998 to 2014, Grünwidl was the parish priest for Kirchberg am Wechsel, Feistritz, St. Corona, and Trattenbach in southern Lower Austria. Concurrently, from 2007 to 2014, he served as Dean of the Kirchberg am Wechsel deanery. In 2014, he moved to Perchtoldsdorf. From 2014 to 2023, he served as parish moderator in Perchtoldsdorf and, from 2016 to 2023, also as Dean of the deanery of the same name. From 2016 to March 2023, he was also the executive chairman of the Vienna Council of Priests. He resigned from this post after having already been appointed Episcopal Vicar for the Southern Vicariate by Cardinal Schönborn in January 2023. In November 2024, Grünwidl was appointed an honorary canon of the Cathedral Chapter of St. Stephen's. On January 22, 2025, Pope Francis appointed Josef Grünwidl Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Vienna. On October 17, 2025, Pope Leo XIV appointed him Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Vienna. On January 24, 2026, Josef Grünwidl was ordained a bishop by Cardinal Christoph Schönborn and installed in his office as Archbishop. Curriculum vitae: Archbishop Mag. Josef Grünwidl; born in 1963 in Hollabrunn; ordained deacon in 1987 by Auxiliary Bishop Helmut Krätzl; 1987–88: Diaconate year in Perchtoldsdorf; 1988: Ordination to the priesthood by Cardinal Franz König; 1988–91: Chaplain at St. Johann Nepomuk, Vienna 2; 1991–93: Curate at the Cathedral Parish of Wiener Neustadt; 1993–95: Diocesan youth chaplain; 1995–98: Archbishop’s secretary to Christoph Schönborn; 1998–2014: Parish priest in Kirchberg, Feistritz, St. Corona, and Trattenbach; since 2014: Parish moderator in Perchtoldsdorf; since 2016: Dean of the Perchtoldsdorf Deanery; since 2016: Executive Chair of the Vienna Council of Priests; January 2023 – January 2026: Episcopal Vicar for the Southern Vicariate; since January 22, 2025: Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Vienna; October 17, 2025 – January 24, 2026: Archbishop-designate of the Archdiocese of Vienna; January 24, 2026: Episcopal ordination by Cardinal Christoph Schönborn. Areas of responsibility within the Archdiocese of Vienna: Bishop of the Archdiocese of Vienna; communication and dialogue with staff in parish communities and diocesan leadership. Personal focus: As the Church of Jesus Christ, even in challenging and turbulent times, we have reason for hope and joy in the knowledge that it is HIS Church! Sources of strength: Prayer and liturgy, creation and music. Life motto: "Sing, pray, and walk in God’s ways; faithfully do your part; trust in Heaven’s rich blessing, and it shall be renewed for you!"