Austria's Most Catholic Bishop Has Died. R.I.P
Monsignor Andreas Laun, 82, a former auxiliary bishop of Salzburg and a Catholic giant, died on 31 December.
For decades he was one of Austria's most courageous and best bishops. A moral theologian, he wrote many articles and books in a clear and concise language. His books for religious education in schools were not approved by his own bishops' conference and were largely ignored.
The regime's media hated him for his faithful preaching and his courage. His friends knew him as a pious, warm-hearted, humorous and sporting man, and a dog lover. Sadly, in his last book he advocated the false theory that animals can go to heaven, probably with his own dog Pamina, a German shepherd, in mind.
Monsignor Laun was a tireless speaker at countless vigils and demonstrations against abortion. He called abortion the work of the devil, murder, and compared it to the crimes of the National Socialists. Half-hearted measures against abortion, which he wanted to see criminalised, were like "improving the …More
He lived in conflict with the opportunist Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of Vienna. At one point their relationship was so tense that they only communicated through a mediator. In 2009, Cardinal Schönborn forbade Bishop Laun to take part in a large pro-life demonstration in Vienna.
What a great and most holy Shepherd. He shall be deeply and dearly missed. Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.