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Goldenstein Nuns Ask Vatican to Remove Appointed Provost

The Holy See is now weighing cross-complaints after the women rejected conditions that would have required them to abandon social media and outside legal action.

Overview

  • The three elderly sisters from Kloster Goldenstein have sent a letter to Rome seeking the dismissal of Provost Markus Grasl, accusing him of serious canon‑law breaches and refusing direct dialogue.
  • Grasl, appointed in 2022 to oversee the small community, had recently offered a conditional 'return until further notice' that required the nuns to end online outreach, drop legal steps, and part ways with their lawyer.
  • After the women declined those terms, Grasl asked the Vatican to intervene, and his spokesperson says the matter is now in Rome's hands.
  • The sisters contend they were removed from their monastery in 2023 and placed in a care home against assurances, and they moved back into the empty Goldenstein house in September.
  • The dispute has drawn wide attention as the women cultivate more than 100,000 Instagram followers and report donor help, including a newly installed stairlift for the multi‑story building.