the foundation pro oriente was founded in 1964 by the viennese cardinal franz könig to improve relationships between the roman catholic and the eastern orthodox and oriental orthodox churches. the foundation was established during second vatican council which opened the catholic church's doors to other religions with its ecumenism-decree "unitatis redintegratio". pro oriente has charters in vienna, graz, salzburg and linz. pro oriente experienced a crisis in the year 1998 with the death of its leader and president of many years, alfred stirnemann.