Schönborn's farewell: The controversial path of the church in times of crisis

Schönborn's farewell: The controversial path of the church in times of crisis

Wien, Österreich - Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, who has been at the top of the Catholic Church in Vienna for almost three decades, is preparing for his resignation. On January 18, 2025, the 79-year-old will celebrate a farewell service in St. Stephen's Cathedral. In an interview with ORF, Schönborn expressed his view of current topics such as migration and the role of Islam in society. He supports a respectful way of dealing with refugees and warns of a factual dialogue about migration, since everyone involved can learn from each other. "You should treat refugees as one would like to be treated," explains Schönborn in his clear announcement, which is supported by Today.at

The challenge of polarization

This day, Schönborn sees an increasing polarization in society, which is also reinforced by social media. The church can not only be expected to overcome this split, but also requires a commitment to civil society. In a conversation with the Kurier he claims that the path of the gospel offers a clear alternative to the division. "The only question is: is it heard and lived?" tries to illustrate Schönborn. He pleads for a respectful examination of Islam and sees parallels to internal Christian development, which has led to the clarification. The difficulty that exists in Islam today makes it necessary for Muslims to find a way to practice tolerance.

at a time when many Austrians are concerned about the growing presence of Islam, Schönborn asks to focus on common values. He notes: "If we are convinced that the Christians are the worth living, then we will offer the conviction to those who come to us." This includes actively addressing the challenges that Islam is facing today. The cardinal believes in the ability of Christianity for self -regeneration and hopes for a spiritual renewal within Islam. The bridges that need to be built between religions require a committed and respectful cooperation, regardless of the prevailing prejudices.