In an announcement, the Metropolis of Austria expressed its deep sorrow over the passing of Professor Erich Leitenberger, who was one of the pioneers of the ecumenical movement and a supporter of Orthodoxy.
In a relevant statement, as reported by news agency Kathpress, Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria noted that the late professor was a very important figure and offered his support and help to the Metropolitan from the first moment of his enthronement in Austria in 2011.
He also stressed that he was an important friend of the Holy Metropolis with great contribution in the context of the restoration of the unity of Christians, for which, despite being a devout Roman Catholic Christian, he fought with passion, always treating other denominations with respect and sincerity.
Upon learning of the passing of Erich Leitenberger, the Metropolitan of Austria prayed for the rest of his soul. Despite having some health problems lately, the late professor passed away unexpectedly at the age of seventy-seven.
Professor Erich Leitenberger, born in Vienna on August 7, 1944, worked from 1967 to 1974 as the editor of the local newspaper Die Presse. In the same year, he was appointed by Cardinal Franz König to the position of spokesperson for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vienna until 2011.
He was the editor-in-chief of the Kathpress news agency and a spokesperson of the official assembly of the Roman Catholic bishops of Austria between 1981 and 2009. After his retirement in 2011, he served the press office of the Pro Oriente Foundation and was on the board of the Ecumenical Council of Churches in Austria (ÖRKÖ).
In fact, as member of the press office of the Pro Oriente Foundation, he made frequent and detailed reports on the events related to the Orthodoxy in Austria. He was honored by the Republic of Austria and the Roman Catholic Church for his valuable services.
Source: Metropolis of Austria