Bern: In a historic moment for the Catholic Church in Switzerland, Beata Grogli has officially assumed office as the 12th bishop of the Diocese of St. Gallen. The solemn ordination ceremony was held on the morning of July 5 at the Cathedral of St. Gallen, drawing a large gathering of faithful, clergy, and dignitaries.

Following long-standing ecclesiastical tradition, the consecration included the laying on of hands and the Litany of the Saints. Due to the overwhelming number of attendees, the nearby St. Lorenzen Reformed Church hosted a live broadcast of the event to accommodate the faithful. Karin Keller-Sutter, Federal President from the canton of St. Gallen, was also present for the occasion.

Bishop Grogli succeeds Markus Büchel, who has shepherded the diocese since 2006 and is set to step down in August 2024 after turning 75. Pope Leo XIV had earlier appointed Grogli as the Apostolic Administrator of the diocese in May, signaling the beginning of a new chapter.

Her appointment marks a meaningful turning point for the Diocese of St. Gallen, which ministers to a vibrant Catholic community across eastern Switzerland. The faithful express hope that Bishop Grogli’s leadership will bring renewed vitality and pastoral insight to address the evolving spiritual needs of the region.