The General Chapter of the Teutonic Order Re-elects Abbot General Frank Bayard as Grand Master
The General Chapter of the Teutonic Order, convened at the Deutschordenshaus (Teutonic Order House) in Vienna, re-elected Abbot General Frank Bayard on 17 February 2026 for a further six-year term as Grand Master.
The election took place during the Ordinary General Chapter, held from 16 to 27 February 2026 at the seat of the Grand Master in Vienna. The General Chapter is the highest governing authority of the Teutonic Order and meets every six years.
Grand Master Frank Bayard has served as Superior General of the Teutonic Order since 2018. With his re-election, the members of the General Chapter reaffirmed their confidence in his leadership and service to the Order at a time of structural and spiritual renewal.
During the Chapter, the General Council was also elected to assist the Grand Master in the governance of the Order.
The members of the General Council are:
- Fr. Christian Blümel, Vicar General and Procurator General
- Fr. Norbert M. Thüx, General Councillor
- Fr. Christoph Waldner, General Councillor
- Fr. Miloš Zárecký, General Councillor
The re-election of the Grand Master was announced during a solemn celebration of Vespers organized by ARS MUSICA at the Church of the Teutonic Order in Vienna.
During this General Chapter, the Order is particularly engaged in a comprehensive revision of its Rule and Statutes, in close collaboration with the competent Dicastery of the Holy See. The aim is to adapt the norms to the structural changes implemented in recent years and to strengthen the conditions enabling brothers and sisters to continue living faithfully and effectively the charism of the Order — to help and to heal — in pastoral, social, and charitable service.