Robert Bezak back in the theological arena: A special event in Bratislava!

Robert Bezak back in the theological arena: A special event in Bratislava!

At a lecture in Bratislava, the formerly deposed Archbishop of Trnava, Robert Bezak, attracted attention. The 65-year-old, rehabilitated by Pope Francis in 2021, held a lively discussion in the auditorium of the Theological Faculty of Tyrnau University about the “value relativism of today's people” and the search for meaning, inspired by Viktor Frankl's teachings. Among the numerous people present were bishops, religious superiors and media representatives kathpress.at reported. At the event, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Nicola Girasoli delivered the Pope's greetings and emphasized Bezak's return to the theological arena.

Bezak's return to theological discourse comes after a long and contentious history that began with his ouster by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012. began. This decision caused an international stir; however, the exact reasons remain unclear. It is suspected that there is a connection with financial investigations and allegations against his predecessor. While Pope Francis did not carry out Bezak's appointment as diocesan bishop, his repeated gestures made it clear that the former archbishop continues to be recognized as a consecrated bishop.

New auxiliary bishop for Graz-Seckau

Another important event took place in Graz, where Pope Francis appointed the priest Johannes Freitag as the new auxiliary bishop of the Graz-Seckau diocese. This decision was announced on Friday afternoon in the “Bollettino” of the Vatican, as kath.net reported. Freitag, who comes from Knittelfeld and was born in 1972, is following in the footsteps of his predecessor and will support Diocesan Bishop Wilhelm Krautwaschl in various tasks. The diocese had not had an auxiliary bishop for over twelve years, after Franz Lackner held the position from 2002 to 2013.

Johannes Freitag brings with him extensive experience, both in pastoral care and in media work, and will take up office at a time that presents numerous challenges for the Catholic Church. This not only marks a new beginning for the Graz-Seckau diocese, but also a strengthening of leadership in the region. Freitag, who was ordained a deacon in 1999, has made a name for himself through numerous pastoral assignments and his academic training and will play a key role in the diocese in the future.