Archbishop Josef Grünwidl of Vienna, Austria, wants to discuss celibacy: "My question is whether a celibate life should always be a prerequisite for becoming a priest. In our Orthodox and Protestant sister churches, it is different."
In an interview with Tt.com on 5 April, he said: "I would be happier if people reflected on this question and concluded that those who feel called to a celibate life should live it that way, but that there should also be the possibility of being a priest with a family."
When asked about Viennese cathedral priest Anton Faber, Archbishop Grünwidl said he found his situation difficult.
Rev. Faber appears at Viennese social events accompanied by Natalie Nemec. "I don't refer to any woman as my life partner, but I'm very happy that Natalie is by my side at official events. As a good friend, she always knows that I stand by her and she by me," Rev Faber recently told Austrian media.
Archbishop Grünwidl commented: "We are in discussions to find a solution."
Pope Leo XIV appointed Archbishop Grünwidl as Archbishop of Vienna in October 2025. He has been known as ultra-liberal for nearly two decades.
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