Hermann of Wied facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hermann of Wied |
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| Archbishop-Elector of Cologne | |
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| Church | Lutheran (from 1542) Roman Catholic (until 1542) |
| Archdiocese | Cologne |
| See | Cologne |
| Appointed | 14 March 1515 |
| Reign ended | 16 April 1546 |
| Predecessor | Philip II of Daun-Oberstein |
| Successor | Adolf III of Schauenburg |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 14 January 1477 |
| Died | 15 August 1552 (aged 75) |
Hermann of Wied (born January 14, 1477, died August 15, 1552) was an important church leader in Germany. He served as the Archbishop-Elector of Cologne from 1515 to 1546. This was a powerful position in the Holy Roman Empire.
At first, Hermann supported punishing Martin Luther, a key figure in the Protestant Reformation. However, he later changed his mind. He then tried to bring the Reformation to Cologne, one of the most important areas in the Holy Roman Empire.
Contents
Hermann of Wied: A Leader in Changing Times
Early Life and Church Role
Hermann was the fourth son of Frederick, who was the Count of Wied. He was born in 1477. He was educated to join the Church. In 1515, he became the Archbishop-Elector of Cologne.
In 1520, he supported Charles V. Hermann even crowned Charles V at Aachen. At first, Hermann was against the ideas of the reformers. He tried to have Martin Luther declared an outlaw at the Diet of Worms in 1521. This meant Luther would lose legal protection.
A Shift Towards Reform
Hermann had some disagreements with the Pope. This made him think more about reforming the Church. He hoped these changes would come from inside the Church itself.
Initially, he followed the ideas of Erasmus. Erasmus believed some church practices were wrong. However, he did not want to change the main beliefs of the Church.
Over time, Hermann's ideas about change grew. He became more interested in the new evangelical teachings. Around 1536, he started making reforms in his own area, Cologne. He worked with his friend Johann Gropper on these changes.
Facing Challenges and Change
As his efforts to unite with the Catholic Church failed, Hermann made a big decision. In 1542, he appointed Martin Bucer as his court preacher in Bonn. He also sought advice from Philip Melanchthon, who was a close friend of Martin Luther.
Hermann's official break with Rome was welcomed by the Protestants. The Schmalkaldic League, a group of Protestant princes, promised to defend him. However, the Reformation in Cologne faced setbacks. This happened because Emperor Charles V won military victories. He defeated William, Duke of Cleves, who supported the Reformation.
Also, Hermann's new religious ideas did not gain much support from the people of Cologne. Both the Emperor and the Pope called Hermann to answer for his actions. In 1546, Pope Paul III removed him from his position. Hermann was also excommunicated, meaning he was formally cut off from the Church.
In February 1547, Hermann resigned from his office. He then retired to Wied. Hermann also served as the Prince-Bishop of Paderborn from 1532 to 1547.
