Pope BACKS Women’s Ordination Ally – Bishop Named!

Daily Report May 25,2025

Pope Leo XIV confirms a priest who openly supports women’s ordination as the new Bishop of St. Gallen, raising questions about fidelity to Catholic teaching.

At a Glance

Fr. Beat Grögli, who has publicly stated “The women’s priesthood will come,” has been confirmed as the new Bishop of St. Gallen, Switzerland
Grögli has allowed practices contrary to Church law, including permitting women to read the Gospel and deliver sermons
The Diocese of St. Gallen is historically linked to the controversial “St. Gallen Mafia,” a group of clerics who opposed Cardinal Ratzinger’s papacy
The appointment comes through a unique selection process based on a 1845 Concordat involving local input
Grögli’s episcopal ordination is scheduled for July 5, 2025

Controversial Appointment Raises Eyebrows

In a move that has sparked debate among traditional Catholics, Pope Leo XIV has confirmed Father Beat Grögli as the new bishop of St. Gallen, Switzerland. The appointment is particularly contentious because Fr. Grögli has publicly expressed support for women’s ordination, a position that directly contradicts established Catholic doctrine. The priest, who has served as the parish priest of St. Gallen Cathedral since 2013, was elected by the local cathedral chapter according to the unusual selection process that governs episcopal appointments in the Swiss diocese.

The selection process for the St. Gallen bishop differs from standard Vatican procedures. Under an 1845 Concordat, the cathedral chapter chooses the bishop with input from the local Catholic College, with the Holy See retaining the authority to confirm or deny the elected candidate. This arrangement has now resulted in the elevation of a priest whose theological positions appear at odds with traditional Church teaching.

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A History of Progressive Positions

Fr. Grögli, ordained in 1998, has established himself as a proponent of progressive reforms within the Church. Beyond his support for women’s ordination, he has advocated for homosexual blessings and changes to Church teachings on marriage, sexuality, and contraception. His liturgical practices have also raised concerns among traditionalists, as he has allowed women to read the Gospel during Mass and deliver sermons—actions that contradict canon law governing Catholic liturgical practice.

“The women’s priesthood will come,” Fr. Beat Grögli has stated publicly, indicating his position on a matter the Church has consistently taught is not open to change.

When asked about his appointment, Fr. Grögli offered a statement focused on unity rather than addressing the controversial positions he has taken: “I simply take great pleasure in the trust that the cathedral chapter has placed in me,” adding that “we have to walk the path together.” His episcopal motto, “In concordiam Christi” (In the harmony of Christ), suggests a focus on unity despite the divisive nature of some of his theological positions.

The St. Gallen Connection

The Diocese of St. Gallen carries historical significance beyond this appointment. It gained notoriety as the meeting place of what became known as the “St. Gallen Mafia,” a group of influential clerics who opposed Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger’s papacy and reportedly supported Jorge Mario Bergoglio (who later became Pope Francis). These meetings were hosted by then-Bishop Ivo Fürer, who coincidentally was the bishop who ordained Grögli to the priesthood in 1998.

Bishop Fürer’s legacy includes not only his connection to the St. Gallen group but also accusations of covering up sexual abuse cases during his episcopate. The current apostolic administrator, Bishop Markus Büchel, who will continue serving until Grögli’s ordination on July 5, 2025, has himself taken heterodox positions on homosexuality and supported LGBT initiatives within the Church.

Vatican’s Changing Leadership Structure

Grögli’s appointment comes during a period of significant leadership changes within the Vatican. In a separate development, Pope Leo XIV recently appointed Sister Tiziana Merletti as Secretary of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. Sister Merletti, who holds a doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Lateran University, becomes the third woman to hold a Secretary position within the Roman Curia.

“Pope Leo XIV has appointed Sister Tiziana Merletti, former Superior General of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor, as Secretary of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.” sources report.

These appointments reflect ongoing changes in Church leadership structures. Under Pope Francis’ Apostolic Constitution, laypeople, including women, became eligible to lead dicasteries and serve as prefects—roles previously reserved for cardinals and archbishops. During Francis’ papacy, the percentage of women working in Vatican offices increased from 19.2% to 23.4%, a trend that appears to be continuing under Pope Leo XIV.