According to Aciprensa, the prelate admits that the priest has found “a solution” regarding continence “with which I find it hard to agree”.
The statement, without openly affirming a breach of celibacy, nevertheless confirms that the situation has ceased to be a mere rumor to become a real problem within the archdiocese.
An uncomfortable case in the heart of Vienna
Faber, known as the “parish priest of high society,” has become a regular at public events accompanied by a woman whom he avoids defining clearly. When faced with direct questions, he limits himself to describing her as a “good friend,” without clarifying the nature of the relationship.
Grünwidl himself has acknowledged that the situation poses difficulties for him and that they are both “in conversation to find a solution,” which confirms that the case is neither minor nor isolated.
Praises celibacy… but questions its mandatory nature
The archbishop’s statements are particularly significant because they come just a few days after having publicly defended celibacy as “a valuable way of life,” while opening the door to reviewing its mandatory character.
In that vein, Grünwidl raised whether the priesthood must necessarily be linked to the renunciation of marriage, suggesting that a model could exist in which celibacy would be optional.
This double discourse—recognizing the value of celibacy while questioning its requirement—takes on new meaning in light of the Faber case, where the difficulty is not theoretical, but practical.
A recurring debate in the Germanic sphere
The archbishop’s approach is not isolated.
Since his appointment, Grünwidl has been identified with positions that open the debate on sensitive issues such as celibacy or the role of women in the Church.
However, the prelate himself admits that modifying these disciplines would not automatically resolve the ecclesial crisis.
He has come to recognize that neither the end of mandatory celibacy nor other structural changes would bring about a rebirth of the Church or a massive increase in vocations.