Paneuropa Mourns Erich Leitenberger

Paneuropa Austria has received the news of Erich Leitenberger’s passing with profound sadness. “We knew Erich Leitenberger as a partner and expert in many matters concerning the global Church and in relations with Eastern and South-Eastern Europe,” stated Philipp Jauernik, Chairman of Paneuropa Youth, who himself was Leitenberger’s last journalistic colleague before his retirement as Press Officer for the Archdiocese of Vienna.

“Leitenberger’s achievements span a lifetime of decades. What he accomplished for the people behind the Iron Curtain, and thereby for Austria’s reputation in the affected regions, receives far too little attention and appreciation today,” said Jauernik, who hopes that Leitenberger’s untimely passing may lead to “us in Austria developing greater awareness for cooperation and contact with our neighbours.”

After his retirement, Erich Leitenberger continued to work on the discourse between East and West within the Pro Oriente Foundation. In this capacity, he repeatedly appeared as a speaker at events organised by Paneuropa Austria.

“He leaves a great void. We look back with gratitude on his life’s work,” Jauernik concluded.