Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, during a Vienna press briefing, emphasized Christianity’s crucial role in fostering a liberal society and called for greater Christian visibility in public life. He addressed issues like loneliness, church reform, and women’s rights, advocating for credible Christians to drive change. Schönborn also urged lifting sanctions on Syria and expressed concerns about dialogue with the Russian Orthodox Church. He discussed the uncertain future of the next Archbishop of Vienna’s cardinal status, hinting at shifting ecclesiastical dynamics.
During a recent press briefing in Vienna, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn highlighted the essential role of Christianity in shaping a liberal society. He firmly believes that “Christianity can introduce pivotal elements for our future.” He underscored the importance of respecting every individual’s dignity and the need for openness to transcendence, stating, “These dimensions will be crucial moving forward.”
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The Archbishop of Vienna expressed his apprehension regarding the rising wave of totalitarian regimes worldwide. He advocated for a stronger Christian presence in public life, including the display of crosses in public institutions. Schönborn remarked, “The cross is not an exclusive symbol; rather, it represents a profound sign of reconciliation, embodying both vertical and horizontal connections. Why should we feel ashamed of this symbol?”
Caution Against Arbitrary Attitudes
Schönborn cautioned that a liberal mindset should not be mistaken for an “attitude of arbitrariness.” He emphasized the importance of building bridges between people and religions, indicating that “a wide-spanning bridge requires deep foundations.”
Addressing the growing issue of loneliness in society, the Cardinal referenced André Heller’s notion of the “world-mother tongue of compassion,” stressing the need for increased empathy and interest in one another. He voiced concerns about the coarsening of language and social interactions, advocating for greater social cohesion, reminiscent of the post-war era when people recognized the necessity of collective effort: “We must overcome today’s challenges together.”
The Need for Credible Christians in Church Reform
Discussing the pressing need for church reforms, Schönborn asserted, “The renewal of the Church hinges on credible Christians.” He cited the example of Maria Loley, a refugee helper celebrating her 100th birthday, as someone who embodies the essence of credibility through her actions. He also mentioned figures like Benedictine monk David Steindl-Rast and Jesuit P. Georg Sporschill as additional examples.
Expressing his sorrow over the declining membership in the Catholic Church, Schönborn acknowledged the quest for meaning among many individuals. He affirmed, “Christianity offers profound resources for those seeking answers to existential questions.”
When addressing whether he expects more renewal from new communities than traditional parishes, Schönborn described this as a “myth” he may have inadvertently contributed to. He expressed genuine support for new communities but affirmed his belief that the traditional church is not obsolete, defending the value of church customs and folk religiosity.
Reflecting on reform processes within the Church, Schönborn warned against excessive introspection and urged parishes to welcome newcomers. He remarked that there is “still substantial room for improvement” in the Church’s mission in Austria.
Addressing Women’s Issues and Celibacy
In response to questions about women’s issues and celibacy during the Synodal Process, Schönborn, as the ordinary for the Catholic Eastern Churches, highlighted his responsibility for married priests and their families. He affirmed that the possibility of married priests exists within the Church, even in Catholicism, noting that he has ordained married men with Rome’s permission.
Schönborn acknowledged the women’s issue as a “burning question” for both the Church and society, asserting, “It remains a relevant topic, and gender justice is a legitimate and necessary conversation.”
Advocating for Syria
Cardinal Schönborn reiterated his call for lifting international sanctions against Syria, expressing disbelief that such measures continue to impact the population adversely. “I’ve visited Syria and am well-informed about the ground situation,” he stated emphatically.
When asked about the conflict in the Holy Land and Pope Francis’s perceived bias towards Palestine, Schönborn replied, “It’s essential to recognize need wherever it exists, and that need is evident on both sides.” He stressed the importance of addressing the suffering of individuals from both communities.
Concerning relations with the Russian Orthodox Church, Schönborn acknowledged the current difficulties in dialogue with Moscow, expressing regret but remaining hopeful for future engagement.
Uncertainty Over Future Cardinal in Vienna
According to Schönborn, it is uncertain whether the next Archbishop of Vienna will be appointed as a cardinal. Responding to a journalist’s inquiry about the desirability of a new Austrian cardinal, he stated, “That is a question for the Pope.” He noted that traditional cardinal seats in Europe are no longer as significant, suggesting that Pope Francis’s perspective on the Church’s influence in Europe might differ from expectations. However, he did not rule out the possibility of a future charismatic figure from Austria being appointed as a cardinal.