Grünwidl, Archbishop of Vienna: «What comes from the Holy Spirit cannot be stopped by canon law»

The Archbishop of Vienna, Josef Grünwidl, defended the possibility of modifying Church norms and traditions and stated that what comes from the Holy Spirit cannot be stopped by canon law.

According to Kath Press, the prelate made these statements during the Mass held in the parish of Pischelsdorf, as part of the spring plenary assembly of the Austrian Episcopal Conference, held at the “Haus der Frauen” training center in Styria.

A Church open to changes in norms and precepts

During his homily, Grünwidl defended the need for the Church to remain open to changes, even in ecclesiastical norms and precepts, if they cease to serve the pastoral objective.

The archbishop pointed out that Church rules are necessary, but warned that they should not become an end in themselves or be reduced to mere formal regulation.

In his view, norms must serve the “good of souls,” helping people to find God and live the Gospel.

Reference to remarried divorcees and other situations

In this context, the prelate explicitly mentioned situations such as remarried divorcees or relationships that do not correspond to the ideal of Catholic marriage.

According to Grünwidl, limiting oneself to strictly applying canonical norms would not be sufficient. In his opinion, it would be necessary to address each specific situation from a pastoral perspective, seeking solutions that help people in their life of faith.

“Canon law cannot stop the Spirit”

The archbishop also stated that the action of the Holy Spirit cannot be limited by legal norms.

“What comes from the Holy Spirit cannot be stopped by canon law,” he declared.

The statement is framed in his defense of a Church that, as he said, must be willing to review even traditions and norms centuries old when they hinder the pastoral response.

Greater participation of women in the Church

The archbishop also referred to the issue of women’s participation in the Church, citing the recent report from Synod group 5, which deals with their presence in ecclesial life and governance.

Grünwidl stated that the Church would be “more evangelical and more faithful to the spirit of Jesus” if it listened more to the voice of women and integrated them into decision-making processes.

For this, he added, changes in norms and even in historical ecclesial traditions might be necessary.

An archbishop recently appointed by Leo XIV

Grünwidl’s statements are part of a trajectory marked by reform proposals in disciplinary matters within the Church.

The Austrian priest had previously served as apostolic administrator of the archdiocese after Schönborn’s retirement and officially assumed pastoral governance of Vienna in January 2026.

Austrian Bishops’ Assembly

The liturgical celebration was part of the spring plenary assembly of the Austrian Episcopal Conference, presided over by the Archbishop of Salzburg, Franz Lackner, who also presided over the Eucharist.

The results of the Austrian bishops’ meeting will be presented at a press conference scheduled for March 13 in Vienna.