Johann Schweikhard von Kronberg facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Johann Schweikhard von Kronberg |
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| Archbishop of Mainz | |
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| Church | Catholic Church |
| Archdiocese | Electorate of Mainz |
| In Office | 1604–1626 |
| Predecessor | Johann Adam von Bicken |
| Successor | Georg Friedrich von Greiffenklau |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 15 July 1553 |
| Died | 17 September 1626 (Aged 73) |
Johann Schweikhard von Kronberg (born July 15, 1553 – died September 17, 1626) was an important leader in the Catholic Church. He served as the Archbishop-Elector of Mainz from 1604 to 1626. This meant he was both a religious leader and a powerful ruler in a part of Germany.
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Education (1553–1604)
Johann Schweikhard von Kronberg was born on July 15, 1553. He was the third son of Hartmut XIII von Kronburg and Barbara von Sickingen. His father worked as an administrator for the Archbishopric of Mainz.
Since his older brothers took over the family's main jobs, Johann was set to have a career in the church. He became part of the cathedral chapter of Mainz Cathedral when he was young. This was thanks to his father's influence.
He was a canon (a type of priest) at St. Alban's Abbey, Mainz from 1564 to 1566. His uncle, Daniel Brendel von Homburg, was also an Archbishop of Mainz. He sent Johann to study at the Collegium Germanicum in Rome. There, he became good friends with Johannes Busaeus, who later became a Jesuit teacher.
After returning to Mainz, Johann took on several important church roles. He became a prior, then a schoolmaster in 1584. He was also a dean at two different churches. From 1584 to 1595, he worked as a Vicar General. This meant he helped the Archbishop-Elector manage the church's affairs. In 1599, he became the treasurer for the Archbishopric.
Becoming Archbishop-Elector (1604–1626)
After the previous Archbishop, Johann Adam von Bicken, passed away, Johann Schweikhard von Kronberg was chosen as the new Archbishop of Mainz. This happened on February 17, 1604. He had the support of Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor. The Emperor worried that another candidate might cause problems with the Protestants in the Holy Roman Empire.
After Pope Clement VIII approved his election, Johann became archbishop in November 1604. The Archbishop-Elector of Mainz was a very important person. He was also the archchancellor of Germany. This made him the highest-ranking prince, both in the church and in the government, within the Empire.
He continued the work of the Counter-Reformation in Mainz. This was a movement to strengthen the Catholic Church. He tried to be fair and willing to compromise on religious matters. He did not persecute Protestants and allowed them religious freedom in places like Erfurt. In 1605, a special Catholic songbook was published. It included Bible texts, catechism, and worship songs. He also supported the work of the Jesuits and Capuchins.
Building and Politics
Johann Schweikhard von Kronberg ordered the building of Schloss Johannisburg. This large castle was built in Aschaffenburg between 1605 and 1614. He also saw the completion of the old arsenal building in Mainz.
He was involved in many political events of his time. In 1609, he opposed Henry IV of France getting involved in a war over Jülich. In 1612, he crowned Matthias, Holy Roman Emperor in the Bartholomäuskirche. In 1618, he disagreed with Frederick V, Elector Palatine taking the Bohemian Crown. However, he also opposed Spain taking over the Electorate of the Palatinate. In 1619, he played a big part in electing Ferdinand II as the new Holy Roman Emperor.
Johann Schweikhard von Kronberg died in Aschaffenburg on September 17, 1626.
