Christoph Schönborn

Stored: Christoph Schönborn

His Eminence Christoph Schönborn
Bishop of Archdiocese of Vienna
Home diocese:	Archdiocese of Vienna
Other diocese 1:	Titular See of Sutri
Other diocese 2:
Other diocese 3:
Ordination:	27 December 1970 by Cardinal Franz König
Consecration:	29 September 1991 by Cardinal Hans Hermann Groër
Rank:	Cardinal
Created cardinal:	21 February 1998 by Pope John Paul II
Personal details
Born:	Christoph Maria Michael Hugo Damian Peter Adalbert Schönborn 22 January 1945 Skalsko, Czech Republic
Died:
Nationality:	Austria
Education:	Pontifical Gregorian University
Motto:	"Vos autem dixi amicos"
Role:	Archbishop
Theology:	Moderate
Region:	Western Europe
Rite:	Roman Rite
Conclave Eligibility:	Eligible

Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, O.P., born (1945-01-22) January 22, 1945, is an Austrian prelate of the Roman Catholic Church and a Dominican friar, serving as Archbishop of Vienna since 1995 and a cardinal since 1998, elevated by Pope John Paul II. Ordained a priest in 1970 and consecrated a bishop in 1991, he is a prominent European theologian, known for editing the *Catechism of the Catholic Church* and advocating a balanced approach to doctrine and pastoral care, reflected in his motto "Vos autem dixi amicos" ("I have called you friends"). His moderate theology bridges conservative and progressive factions, supporting Pope Francis’ reforms while upholding traditional moral teachings. Schönborn participated in the 2005 and 2013 conclaves and, at age 80 on April 21, 2025, remains eligible for the 2025 papal conclave following Pope Francis’ death, positioning him as a leading European candidate due to his intellectual stature and diplomatic skill, though his age and regional focus temper expectations.

Schönborn’s leadership has strengthened the Austrian Church through ecumenical dialogue, refugee advocacy, and addressing clergy abuse, notably criticizing his predecessor’s handling of cases. However, his nuanced stances on issues like same-sex unions and divorced Catholics have sparked debate, drawing praise from progressives and criticism from traditionalists. His academic background in theology and philosophy from the Pontifical Gregorian University and his aristocratic lineage as a Bohemian noble enhance his global influence. Widely respected for his writings and mediation in Church disputes, Schönborn’s role in the post-Francis Church is significant, with X posts highlighting his papal candidacy (Post ID: 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7), though his age may limit his electability.

Biography

Birth and early life

Christoph Schönborn was born on January 22, 1945, in Skalsko, Bohemia (now Czech Republic), to Hugo-Damian Schönborn and Eleonore von Doblhoff, part of an aristocratic Bohemian family with a history of ecclesiastical service, including multiple bishops and cardinals. The second of four children, he was raised in Schruns, Austria, after his family fled post-World War II Czechoslovakia. His early exposure to the Church’s role in a secularizing Europe sparked a vocation, leading him to join the Dominican Order in 1963 at age 18.

Austria’s post-war recovery and the Church’s engagement with modernity shaped Schönborn’s intellectual and spiritual development. His fluency in German, French, English, and Italian, and his theological aptitude were evident early, as he engaged in Dominican formation, foreshadowing his later role as a global Church leader.

Education

Schönborn studied philosophy and theology at the Dominican House of Studies in Walberberg, Germany, and the University of Vienna, earning a licentiate in theology. He pursued advanced studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, obtaining a Licentiate in Sacred Theology (1971) and a Doctorate in Theology (1974), focusing on the theology of Hans Urs von Balthasar. He also studied philosophy at the Catholic University of Paris and psychology at the University of Vienna.

His education emphasized Dominican intellectual traditions and Vatican II’s call for dialogue with modernity, equipping him to address theological and pastoral challenges. Schönborn’s academic rigor and multilingual proficiency prepared him for leadership, blending scholarship with pastoral sensitivity.

Priesthood

Ordained a priest on December 27, 1970, by Cardinal Franz König for the Dominican Order, Schönborn served as a university chaplain in Graz and Vienna (1973–1975) and a professor of dogmatic theology at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland (1976–1991). He was a member of the International Theological Commission (1980–1991) and played a key role in editing the *Catechism of the Catholic Church* (1992), under Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger.

His priesthood combined academic scholarship with pastoral ministry, focusing on catechesis and ecumenical dialogue. Schönborn’s theological expertise and diplomatic skills positioned him as a prominent figure in the global Church, earning him episcopal appointment.

Bishop

Consecrated titular Bishop of Sutri and auxiliary bishop of Vienna on September 29, 1991, by Cardinal Hans Hermann Groër, Schönborn became Archbishop of Vienna in 1995, succeeding Groër amid abuse scandals. Elevated to cardinal in 1998 with the title Cardinal-Priest of Gesù Divin Lavoratore, he has led the Austrian Church through secularization, advocating for refugees, ecumenism, and abuse reform. He participated in the 2005 conclave electing Benedict XVI and the 2013 conclave electing Francis, and served as President of the Austrian Bishops’ Conference (1998–2020).

Schönborn’s nuanced positions on same-sex unions and divorced Catholics have sparked debate, while his criticism of Groër’s abuse handling earned praise. Eligible for the 2025 conclave at age 80, his intellectual stature and mediation skills make him a papal contender, though his age and European focus temper expectations, as noted in X posts (Post ID: 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7).

Diocese	Role	Start Date	End Date	Notes
Titular See of Sutri	Auxiliary Bishop	29 September 1991	14 April 1995	Served Archdiocese of Vienna
Archdiocese of Vienna	Archbishop	14 April 1995	Present	Led through abuse reforms, ecumenism

Significant events

• Joined the Dominican Order in 1963.
• Ordained priest for the Dominican Order in 1970.
• Consecrated titular Bishop of Sutri in 1991.
• Appointed Archbishop of Vienna in 1995.
• Elevated to cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 1998.
• Participated in the 2005 and 2013 conclaves.
• President of the Austrian Bishops’ Conference (1998–2020).

Books

Written about the bishop

• Schönborn: The Pope’s Theologian by Petrus Lepre, ISBN 978-8878394322

Written by the bishop

• Chance or Purpose? Creation, Evolution, and a Rational Faith by Christoph Schönborn, ISBN 978-1621641391
• God Sent His Son: A Contemporary Christology by Christoph Schönborn, ISBN 978-1586174101

External links

• Christoph Cardinal Schönborn at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
• Biography of Cardinal Christoph Schönborn at Vatican Press Office
• Vatican News article on Schönborn’s reform reflections