He was elected by the cathedral chapter on Tuesday but result then remained secret until it was approved by the Vatican.
“I accept this new, great task with joy and respect and thank everyone who has encouraged and supported me on my path so far,” said the new bishop shortly after the election.
Grögli previously headed the cathedral parish and was involved in pastoral care throughout the city of St Gallen as pastor of the pastoral care unit in the centre and as dean.
He was chosen from a list of six candidates compiled by the cathedral chapter – a committee of thirteen clergy – in autumn 2024.
The list was
then sent to Rome and checked there. On Tuesday, the parliament of the
Catholic denomination of the canton of St. Gallen was also able to
comment on the candidates.
After the election on Tuesday afternoon, the result remained secret for a while.
It first had to be approved by the new Pope Leo XIV.
This took place during the course of Wednesday.
The name of the new bishop could therefore only be announced on Thursday lunchtime.
The cathedral bells rang at the same time as the announcement at noon.