How the Death of Pope Francis Affects the Schönborn Succession

A successor for Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, is to be determined within a maximum of three weeks, after which they would be able to make decisions, explained Michael Prüller, the spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Vienna, upon request from the APA. He expects that the successor to Archbishop Christoph Schönborn will be decided before the start of summer, but at the latest by July.

Process in the Vatican for Schönborn's Succession Well Advanced

Since Schönborn's resignation in January, Josef Grünwidl has been managing the Archdiocese of Vienna as the papal administrator. Initially, it was assumed that a new archbishop would be determined within six weeks after his appointment. However, the decision-making process in the Vatican was delayed. The Bishop of Innsbruck, Hermann Glettler, is considered a possible new archbishop. However, surprises in the search are, as often, easily possible.

The fact that no significant delays are expected despite Francis' death is due to the process in the Vatican. The Dicastery for Bishops in the Vatican, which closely coordinates with the nuncio - the "ambassador" of the Vatican in Austria - is mainly responsible for the search. Nevertheless, the final decision rests with the Holy Father, who usually approves the personnel decision with his signature. The appointment is communicated in the papal Bollettino.

Schönborn's Succession: Objection from New Pope Not Excluded

An objection against a new archbishop from the Pope is not excluded. This mainly depends on the line of the new Holy Father. Francis did not only have friends in the College of Cardinals. Additionally, the priority in decisions was on "areas of hope" of the Roman Catholic Church, such as in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. The last bishop appointment by Francis was communicated on April 17 in the Bollettino and concerned Madagascar.

(APA/Red)

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