Vienna

The Archdiocese of Vienna has confirmed that Fr Toni Faber will step down as rector of St Stephen’s Cathedral in 2027. The priest has long attracted attention for his media profile, comments on celibacy and support for blessings for same-sex couples The Archdiocese of Vienna has confirmed that the controversial priest Fr Toni Faber will step down as rector of St Stephen’s Cathedral in 2027, bringing to an end almost three decades in one of the most prominent clerical posts in the Austrian Church. The announcement was made by Archbishop Josef Grünwidl, who said that new leadership would be appointed for the cathedral in the summer of 2027. Speaking to the Austrian broadcaster ORF, the archbishop insisted that the decision was principally linked to the unusually long duration of Fr Faber’s tenure rather than any disciplinary measure. “No one has held this office for 30 years,” Archbishop Grünwidl said, describing the priest’s period in office as “a record”. The archbishop also stressed that the 64-year-old priest would not disappear from public ministry and would continue to exercise a pastoral role connected to the cathedral and the centre of Vienna. “We were ordained priests on the same day here in St Stephen’s Cathedral,” Archbishop Grünwidl said, underlining the personal bond between the two men as he praised Fr Faber’s decades of service. Fr Faber has long occupied an unusually prominent media profile for a diocesan priest and has frequently attracted controversy for remarks and public positions which drew criticism from more conservative Catholics. Recent media reports in Austria further intensified scrutiny of the priest after renewed attention was given to his appearances at public dance events accompanied by a woman. Although no formal accusation of misconduct emerged, the reports added to longstanding criticism surrounding his lifestyle and pastoral approach. Over the years he publicly questioned mandatory priestly celibacy and voiced support for blessings for same-sex couples. His regular appearances in Austrian public life, including events linked to politics, culture and entertainment, also distinguished him from the more restrained public image usually associated with cathedral clergy. Despite the controversy, the Archdiocese of Vienna has given no indication that Fr Faber’s departure from the rectorship represents any form of sanction. Archbishop Grünwidl instead repeatedly stressed that the priest would remain active within pastoral life in Vienna and continue to be associated with St Stephen’s Cathedral. Fr Faber himself indicated that he has no intention of withdrawing quietly from ecclesiastical life. Speaking about his future after the announcement, he said: “Being a priest and pastor is written in my DNA.” He added that he hoped to continue serving as a “bridge” between the Church and wider society, mentioning politics, business and culture among the fields in which he wished to remain active. He also referred to possible work connected with urban pastoral ministry in central Vienna. Fr Faber was appointed rector in 1997 and became closely associated with the public life of the cathedral through televised liturgies, high-profile funerals and appearances alongside leading figures from Austrian political and cultural life. His departure in 2027 will end one of the longest tenures in the cathedral’s history, with the archdiocese expected to announce his successor closer to the date of the transition.