Further proposal for Schönborn's successor in progress

Schönborn's resignation had already been accepted by the now deceased Pope Francis in January of this year, and since then, Josef Grünwidl has been administering the Archdiocese of Vienna as apostolic administrator. His appointment was originally seen as a signal that a decision would be made soon. However, the search continues to be difficult. Several candidates have reportedly withdrawn.

Prevost's successor not yet determined

Although the new pope has already made initial personnel decisions, these could be older proposals from the responsible Vatican Dicastery for Bishops, whose prefect Leo XIV once served under his civil name, Robert Francis Prevost. Church insiders see the fact that there is still no successor for this ecclesiastical authority as a further delaying factor for the Vienna decision.

But there is also optimism in the Austrian Catholic Church, as the new Holy Father is well acquainted with the situation in the Austrian Church. However, it is up to the Apostolic Nuncio Pedro López Quintana to send a three-person proposal to Rome. He has apparently already done so, although all the candidates are said to have declined.

Nuncio keeps asking

According to the "Presse," the nunciature is now eyeing a candidate it initially didn't expect: Secretary General of the Bishops' Conference Schipka. The Viennese native and law graduate has held this position since March 2011. However, the archdiocese cannot confirm that the nuncio is inquiring about his standing in the church via a survey. This would not be unusual, they say, as the nuncio regularly asks around.

Few church experts believe that a decision could be made this summer. However, this cannot be ruled out. After all, Schönborn was announced as Auxiliary Bishop of Vienna in July, as was Cardinal Hans Hermann Groër.