Schönborn Sees Only Slim Chances for Another Cardinal from Austria

"The balances are shifting a bit," Schönborn said in a press conference about the appointments by Pope Francis, who places less emphasis on the European Church. Regarding his yet unknown successor, Schönborn said: "I trust that he will do well. In some respects, certainly better than me."

Schönborn: The College has "changed massively"

Schönborn is not only retiring as Archbishop. Although he naturally retains the cardinal's dignity, he is not allowed to participate in the papal election at the age of 80. The chances that his successor in Vienna or another member of the Bishops' Conference will be appointed cardinal are slim, according to Schönborn. The college has "changed massively" since Francis became Pope. "His cardinal appointments are also a program." The Holy Father has - as he had also announced - kept the promise to go to the "periphery", i.e. to preferentially appoint cardinals from Asia, South America and Africa. However, the proportion of European cardinals is still very high compared to the world church, Schönborn emphasises. Does he personally wish for a cardinal from Austria? "I have no say in that." But perhaps there will be "a very fascinating or charismatic figure" in Austria.

Decline in Catholics "painful" for Schönborn

Even though Schönborn is modest when he takes stock of his work as Archbishop of Vienna, he sees one success: "The fact that there is greater unity among the bishops is a positive thing to note." A "pain point", however, is the dramatic decline in Catholics during this time. But it is "not exclusively my fault, but I don't want to gloss over it, it's painful". This is also related to the "general climate" that the attachment to institutions has decreased - "the parties notice this, the trade unions notice this too", Schönborn notes. "This is a development that also has to do with our affluent society." The outgoing Archbishop does not believe in a "recipe" to restore the old times. "We will not be able to restore the post-war period and we do not want to."

Schönborn Sees Crosses as "Signs of Reconciliation"

Despite this, Schönborn, according to his own statement, does not believe that the people's church or Catholicism are outdated. "I am in favour of us maintaining the crosses in Austria." This is not "exclusive", but a "sign of reconciliation". Even the city of Vienna has a cross in its coat of arms and is "still not a hotspot of Catholic piety", Schönborn says ironically. Despite the decline in churchgoers, it is positive that there is a church tradition. Looking back, what Schönborn would do differently: "I would recommend the spiritual life more for myself and for the people I meet." Thus, there is a need for spiritual people to look up to, says the Cardinal, who also admits that the Catholic Church has been preoccupied with itself in the past. "This self-centeredness is a great evil," Schönborn finds.

Schönborn Hopes for "Better Times" for Dialogue with Russia

In view of Orthodoxy, Schönborn regrets the currently difficult relationship with the Russian Orthodox Church, which officially approves Russia's war of aggression on Ukraine. "I very much regret that we currently have practically no opportunity for dialogue with Moscow. This will not remain so," he hopes. "There will also be better times again." In general, Schönborn warns against totalitarian tendencies worldwide and advocates for the preservation of liberal democracies.

Regarding the discussion about opening up the Catholic Church, Schönborn says: "The possibility of having married priests is a possibility that exists in the Church, even in the Catholic Church. I have already ordained married men to the priesthood, with the permission of Rome." The question of women's priesthood remains certainly "one of the most burning questions", which will probably not be off the table for a long time. Gender justice is in any case a "legitimate and necessary issue", the Cardinal finds. Remarks that he can now do and leave what he wants in retirement, Schönborn counters: "I have done something for 30 years that I really enjoyed." He has no retirement plans yet. Also: "I remain a Cardinal and I remain within calling distance."

(APA/Red)

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