Thanks to Cardinal Christoph Schönborn

For almost 30 years, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn was at the head of the Archdiocese of Vienna, which includes not only the federal capital but also the eastern half of Lower Austria. This Saturday, a large thanksgiving service took place in St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna to say goodbye to the cardinal and also celebrate his 80th birthday. Around 4,000 people took part. As well as State Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner, numerous other top political representatives such as Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Federal Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg also came.

On the occasion of today’s thanksgiving service, Governor Mikl-Leitner would like to express a big personal thank you to Christoph Schönborn: “He led the archdiocese through eventful times with great commitment and, above all, a strong, lived faith. On behalf of the state of Lower Austria, I would like to thank him for the deep connection with our federal state and the trusting cooperation.” Schönborn was “a partner with a handshake quality” in the implementation of numerous projects to preserve the churches and monasteries in Lower Austria, she emphasizes: “And that has a very special meaning for us, because the Christian churches shape Lower Austria and are also widely visible symbols of our values ​​and traditions, which we want to protect and preserve because they offer us stability and support.”

At the same time, Schönborn is also an “outstanding pastor,” the state governor further emphasizes: “He was, is and remains a spiritual guide and moral role model for us.” The outgoing cardinal was always “a committed bridge builder between religious communities,” said Mikl -Leitner, and “never hesitated to address problem areas”, for example recently in an “ORF press hour” when he demanded a confession from the Muslims in Austria, that they are, first and foremost, citizens of the country and that they can practice their religion freely here, “but also with respect for other religions”. “I fully agree and see this as another example of how Christoph Schönborn always represented his attitudes and values ​​clearly and consistently and thereby gave people orientation.”

“The federal state of Lower Austria will always look back on Christoph Schönborn’s term of office with great respect and appreciation,” concluded the state governor: “We wish him all the best, good health and God’s blessing.”