New Abbot at Melk

On 11 September 2025 the community of Melk Abbey (Austria) elected Fr Ludwig Wenzl as their 68th abbot. The election was presided over by Abbot President Johannes Perkmann. Abbot Ludwig succeeds Abbot Georg Wilfinger, who has led the Abbey since 2001.

Born Karl Wenzl in 1985 in Waidhofen an der Ybbs, the new abbot entered Melk in 2011 and made his solemn profession in 2014. He was ordained priest in 2021. Within the Abbey he has worked in education, culture and tourism, and has been responsible for the archives and collections.

The community entrusted him with a 12-year mandate, confirmed in the traditional rite of handshake and sign of peace. Abbot Ludwig will formally take office on 7 November 2025.

osb.org

https://www.stiftmelk.at/aktuelles-events/aktuelles/p-ludwig-wenzl-osb-wurde-zum-68-abt-des-benediktinerstiftes-melk-gewaehlt/