Hans Hermann Groër
Hans Hermann Groër was an Austrian Catholic prelate who served as the Archbishop of Vienna from 1986 to 1995 and was made a cardinal in 1988. His tenure ended prematurely following multiple allegations of child sexual abuse, leading Pope John Paul II to request his resignation from all ecclesiastical duties.
Key Facts
- ›Served as Archbishop of Vienna from 1986 to 1995.
- ›Became a cardinal in 1988.
- ›Resigned from all ecclesiastical duties in 1998 due to allegations of child sexual abuse.
- ›Born in Vienna to German parents.
- ›Ordained to the priesthood on April 12, 1942.
- ›Entered the Order of Saint Benedict in 1974.
- Strengthening Marian Devotions In the Archdiocese of Vienna
- Fostering Priestly and Monastic Vocations
- Instrumental In Founding the Cistercian Women's Monastery Marienfeld Abbey In 1974
Deceased
About Hans Hermann Groër
Archbishop Hans Hermann Groër
Hans Hermann Wilhelm Groër, OSB (1919–2003) was an Austrian Catholic prelate who held significant positions within the Church, most notably serving as the Archbishop of Vienna and later as a cardinal. His tenure as archbishop was marked by controversy and ultimately led to his early retirement and relinquishment of ecclesiastical duties due to serious allegations.
Life and Ministry
Born in Vienna, Groër's early life involved a move to Czechoslovakia with his German parents. He pursued theological studies at seminaries in Hollabrunn and Vienna, where he obtained a doctorate in theology. He was ordained a priest on April 12, 1942. After serving as a chaplain, he took on a role as Prefect of Studies at a minor seminary. Groër entered the Order of Saint Benedict in 1974 and formally adopted the name Hermann upon his solemn profession of vows. He also served as the spiritual director for the Legion of Mary in Austria.
Archbishop and Cardinal
On July 15, 1986, Groër was appointed the fifteenth Archbishop of Vienna, succeeding Cardinal Franz König. His episcopal consecration took place on September 14, 1986. Pope John Paul II created him a Cardinal Priest of Santi Gioacchino ed Anna al Tuscolano in a consistory on June 28, 1988.
Allegations and Resignation
In 1995, allegations of sexual molestation by former school students and some monks began to surface. In response, Pope John Paul II appointed Christoph Schönborn as Coadjutor Archbishop of Vienna. Groër had submitted his resignation as required upon reaching his 75th birthday in October 1994. After new allegations emerged, the Pope initiated an investigation in February 1998. Consequently, at the Pope's request in April 1998, Groër resigned as prior and withdrew from public life. He issued a statement asking for forgiveness but without admitting guilt. He relinquished his Church duties and privileges as an archbishop and cardinal and spent several months in self-imposed exile in Germany.
Death and Legacy
Hans Hermann Groër died on March 24, 2003, from pneumonia while hospitalized for cancer treatment. Cardinal Christoph Schönborn presided at his requiem Mass, acknowledging Groër's contributions to Marian devotions and vocations. Cardinal Joachim Meisner also referenced the charges against Groër in his eulogy, focusing on Groër's suffering and loneliness during his final years.
Groër was buried in the cemetery of Marienfeld Abbey, a Cistercian women's monastery he was instrumental in founding in 1974.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Hans Hermann Groër's role in the Catholic Church?
Hans Hermann Groër was an Austrian Catholic prelate who served as the Archbishop of Vienna from 1986 to 1995. He was also elevated to the rank of cardinal in 1988.
Why did Hans Hermann Groër resign as Archbishop of Vienna?
Groër resigned as Archbishop of Vienna after becoming the subject of multiple allegations of child sexual abuse. Pope John Paul II requested his resignation from all ecclesiastical duties and privileges in 1998.
What was Hans Hermann Groër's background before becoming archbishop?
Born in Vienna, Groër moved to Czechoslovakia with his German parents and later attended seminaries in Hollabrunn and Vienna, where he earned a doctorate in theology. He was ordained a priest in 1942 and entered the Order of Saint Benedict in 1974.
What happened after Groër left his position as archbishop?
Following his resignation from public life, Groër lived in self-imposed exile in a convent near Dresden, Germany, where he continued some religious duties. He died in 2003 from pneumonia while being treated for cancer.
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