The Diocese of St. Gallen, Switzerland, enters a new chapter as Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Markus Büchel and appointed Canon Beat Grögli as his successor.
A respected voice in Swiss Catholicism, Bishop-elect Grögli, 54, has been serving as parish priest of the Cathedral of Sankt Gallen since 2013 and dean of the local deanery since 2018. His pastoral leadership and deep spiritual roots have made him a trusted figure among clergy and laity alike.
Born in Wil in 1970, Grögli studied theology in Freiburg, Vienna, and Innsbruck, and later earned a degree in psychology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Ordained a priest in 1998, he has worked in parish ministry for over two decades and is known for his pastoral care, humility, and theological insight.
He will also serve as apostolic administrator of the demicantons of Appenzello, underscoring his growing responsibility in the Swiss Church.
Bishop Markus Büchel, who served as bishop since 2006, is known for his gentle leadership and ecumenical openness. His resignation was accepted by the Holy Father in accordance with canon law provisions.
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