Fr. Ludwig Wenzl OSB Elected 68th Abbot of Melk Abbey
Fr. Ludwig Wenzl OSB has been elected by the community of Melk Abbey as the 68th abbot, succeeding Abbot Georg Wilfinger. He will take office on 7 November 2025 for a 12-year term.
Photos © Stift Melk, Franz Gleiß
17 September 2025
On 11 September 2025 the community of Melk Abbey elected Fr Ludwig Wenzl OSB as their 68th abbot. The election was presided over by Abbot President Johannes Perkmann OSB. 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.
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