Pope Benedict XVI Appoints Elmar Fischer as New Bishop of Feldkirch Diocese

On May 24, 2005, Pope Benedict XVI made a significant appointment within the Roman Catholic Church by designating Elmar Fischer, the former General Vicar, as the new Bishop of the Feldkirch Diocese. This transition marks a notable shift in leadership, following the tenure of Klaus Küng, who has taken over the Diocese of St. Pölten.

This announcement is recorded in the historical context of significant events that have occurred on the same date throughout history. For instance, in 1930, British aviator Amy Johnson became the first woman to complete a solo flight from Great Britain to Australia, covering a distance of 6,150 kilometers in just 20 days. The day is also marked by the signing of the Treaty of Stralsund in 1370, which secured the dominance of the Hanseatic League over the Baltic Sea region following victories against Denmark and Norway.

Other notable historical occurrences on May 24 include the premiere of Ludwig van Beethoven's Egmont Overture at the Vienna Burgtheater in 1810, and the annexation of the Orange Free State in South Africa by Great Britain in 1900. Additionally, the year 2000 marked the end of a 22-year occupation of Southern Lebanon by Israeli forces, as ordered by then-Prime Minister Ehud Barak.

In the realm of contemporary events, the Eurovision Song Contest celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2015, concluding in Vienna with a victory for Sweden's Måns Zelmerlöw, although the Austrian representatives did not fare well in the competition.

May 24 is also a day of remembrance for various notable figures. Birthdays include South African statesman Jan Christiaan Smuts (1870-1950), and acclaimed actors such as Priscilla Presley (1945) and Kristin Scott Thomas (1960). The day also commemorates the passing of significant individuals like British statesman Sir Harold Wilson (1916-1995) and renowned German soprano Anneliese Rothenberger (1919-2010).

As Elmar Fischer steps into his new role, the Feldkirch Diocese anticipates a period of guidance and leadership shaped by his experience and commitment to the community.