As Aa Fransciscan, Bishop Franz Lackner OFM faces something of a dilemma as the new Archbishop of Salzburg. His see is one of the grandest in Europe, a former prince-bishopric from the days of the Holy Roman Empire, whose holder can claim the title Primate of Germany. Although not a cardinal, the archbishop-elect, who will be installed in January, can also dress like a prince of the Church. Archbishops of Salzburg are allowed to wear red, although a slightly deeper colour than the cardinal’s scarlet. But given his vow of poverty – and Pope Francis’ call for bishops to be “pastors not princes” – the trappings of his new office will need to be handled carefully by Lackner, a former electrician. Will he, for example, choose to live in the archiepisco
28 November 2013, The Tablet
Princely dilemma
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