The pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has announced the appointment of Mr. Ferdinand Habsburg as its new Secretary General. Habsburg joins the charity following a successful international career in the media and education sectors.
The appointment was formally made on January 13 by Executive President Regina Lynch, following approval from the Administrative Council. This decision follows Pope Leo XIV’s appointment of Cardinal Kurt Koch as President of ACN International in November 2025.
Professional Profile and Background
Ferdinand Habsburg, an Austrian national, brings extensive international experience to the role. His history with ACN began in 1985 during his work for the Coptic Catholic Patriarchate in Cairo. After completing a master’s degree in Berlin, he built a successful career in media and marketing with companies such as Bertelsmann, Procter & Gamble, and Red Bull. In 2007, he founded Da Vinci Media, specializing in educational content.
Commenting on the appointment, Regina Lynch stated:
“During the time that I and the rest of the management have worked with Ferdinand Habsburg, we have come to appreciate his great analytical and strategic mind (…) and his deep love for our mission”.
Upon accepting the position, the new Secretary General noted:
“The mission of ACN to support the suffering and persecuted Church is more relevant than ever”.
A Legacy of Institutional Growth
Habsburg succeeds Philipp Ozores, who served for 12 dedicated years. During his tenure, ACN’s capacity to support the suffering and persecuted Church almost doubled. Ozores chose to step down to devote himself to personal and family projects.
