Grief for Andreas Laun: A moving chapter of Salzburg church history

On New Year's Eve, the emeritus auxiliary bishop Andreas Laun died at the age of 83. The Catholic Family Association of Austria (KFÖ) and the Catholic campaign Salzburg appreciate its life's work and its commitment to the Catholic Church.

Laun, who was a consecration bishop in the Archdiocese of Salzburg from 1995 to 2017, is described as a "controversial theologian". He was known for his clear views of abortion and protection of life. From 1989 to 1996 he was also a spiritual advisory board of the Catholic Family Association, where he provided spiritual impulses for the members.

use for life protection and the family

Elisabeth Mayer, President of the Catholic campaign Salzburg, praised Laun as the last exponent of a turbulent chapter of Salzburg and Austrian church history. It emphasizes that Laun became known in a context of controversial bishop's orders during his term in office, which led to a decline in church membership. Mayer emphasizes Launs impressive commitment to protection of life, even if not all of his statements received consent.

Andreas Laun was instrumental in the founding of the Marriage and Family in the Archdiocese of Salzburg and initiated the "Forum New Life", which explicitly deals with abortion issues. He was considered a person who, despite his often uncompromising statements, was perceived as friendly and understanding.

On January 13th, a requiem for Laun in the Salzburg Cathedral will be celebrated, followed by his burial in the cathedral crypt in the cemetery in St. Peter. The Archdiocese of Salzburg has set up a website for the death of Andreas Laun, which contains obituaries and an online condolence book, such as katholisch.at reported.