Stanislav Přibyl appointed new Archbishop of Prague
Stanislav Přibyl, the current bishop of Litoměřice, has been appointed the new Archbishop of Prague. The 54-year-old bishop, who chose the episcopal motto Pax vobis –has said he wants to bring people together in an increasingly troubled world.
“I am filled with a sense of gratitude, above all gratitude to the Lord God that he has chosen me, an ordinary person, for service. Gratitude for the trust of the Holy Father and of all those who worked to see the archiepiscopal seat in Prague filled. At this moment, I recall my predecessors, especially Cardinal František Tomášek, who confirmed me and Cardinal Miloslav Vlk, who ordained me a priest and with whom I spent a large part of my priestly life.”
Speaking in a video message to believers, Bishop Stanislav Pribyl recalled the path that had led from his home parish in Prague where as a young boy he served as an organist to the Palace of the Archdiocese in Prague.
For his service as Archbishop of Prague, Přibyl has retained his original episcopal motto, “Pax vobis – Peace be with you”. He said that he wants to be a shepherd who listens, encourages and connects people in today’s troubled world.
“I would like to help change the atmosphere – both within the Church and in society. I feel that there is too much tension in our lives. People are increasingly closed off in social-media bubbles, conflicting ideological bubbles and that is something that I would like to change. I want to serve as a bridge that brings people together. “
According to Přibyl, the Church should be a haven for all believers, open to people of good will and especially to those who, in any sense of the word, stand on the margins of society.
At 54, Přibyl could lead the Prague Archdiocese for up to 21 years, until the age of 75, when archbishops must submit their resignation to the Pope. He said his role would not be a sprint, but a marathon.
“I stand at the beginning of what will probably be a long journey and a long service as Archbishop of Prague. I am aware that, although I have already been a bishop for some time, being Archbishop of Prague is a much bigger challenge, it will also be a representative role, one in which my voice will likely be heard more than it was in Litoměřice.”
Alhough he is soft-spoken, Bishop Přibyl’s voice was heard loud and clear even in his earlier posts –in his priestly ministry in Příbram at Svatá Hora, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Bohemia, as president of the Caritas charity of the Prague Archdiocese and most recently as the 21st bishop of Litoměřice.
In late December, Bishop Přibyl addressed one of the most painful and sensitive chapters of Czech-German history –the post-war Sudeten-German expulsions – and declared 2026 a Year of Reconciliation. Monthly gatherings will take place in locations from which people were expelled. The events will include reconciliation masses, debates and public gatherings.
In this way, as in others , he will be following in the footsteps of his predecessor, the outgoing Archbishop of Prague Jan Graubner.
