Mons. Stanislav Přibyl was formally installed as the new Archbishop of Prague during a solemn ceremony held at St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague on Saturday. Alongside numerous worshippers, President Petr Pavel and his wife, as well as representatives from politics, the church and society, attended the event.
The solemn service at Prague’s St. Vitus Cathedral began with a welcome by the emeritus Archbishop of Prague, Jan Graubner. As part of the symbolic handover of office, Jan Graubner presented the pastoral staff to the new archbishop. By taking his seat on the so-called “Sedes”, Stanislav Přibyl officially assumed the office of Archbishop of Prague and led the remainder of the Eucharistic celebration.
The focus of his sermon was the Gospel of the Good Shepherd. Přibyl related the image of the shepherd to his future role and particularly referred to Saint Adalbert (Vojtěch), whom he described as an important inspiration for the church and society. According to his words, Christianity should not be understood merely as a cultural tradition, but must be based on a personal relationship with Christ.
Foto: Eugen Kukla
Přibyl also spoke about the importance of education, orientation in a complex world and the credibility of Christian conduct. What matters, he said, is not moral preaching, but personal example in everyday life. At the same time, he described the church as a community journeying together, listening to one another and seeking its place anew in a changing society.
Among the first to congratulate him was President Petr Pavel. He wished the new archbishop strength and support in his responsible role and stressed the importance of shared values as well as the desire to reduce tensions within society.
Foto: Eugen Kukla
At the end of the ceremony, the new Archbishop of Prague thanked Pope Leo XIV for the trust placed in him, as well as the bishops present for their support. He also announced the appointment of a new Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Prague. The position will be assumed by Fr Josef Ptáček, previously parish priest in Prague-Hlubočepy.
