Otto I (bishop of Utrecht) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Otto I |
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|---|---|
| Bishop of Utrecht | |
| Church | Catholic Church |
| Diocese | Archdiocese of Utrecht |
| In Office | 1212–1215 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1194 |
| Died | 1 September 1215 |
Otto van Gelre (born in 1194 – died on 1 September 1215) was an important leader known as the bishop of Utrecht. He held this position from 1212 until his death in 1215. A bishop is a high-ranking religious leader, often in charge of a specific area or diocese.
Early Life and Family Connections
Otto van Gelre was born into a powerful family. His father was Otto I, Count of Guelders, and his mother was Richardis of Bavaria. Being part of such a family meant he had strong connections and support from important people.
Becoming a Bishop
Otto was chosen to be the bishop of Utrecht when he was still quite young. This happened because he had the support of his family's region, Guelders, and also from the Hohenstaufen family. The Hohenstaufens were a very influential royal family in Europe during that time. Their support helped Otto get this important role.
Role in Utrecht
As bishop, Otto was a strong supporter of Guelders' interests. The area he led, known as the Bishopric of Utrecht, was not just a religious region. It was also a political territory ruled by the bishop. This meant Otto had both religious and political power. He worked to protect and advance the goals of his family's region within this important area.
His Final Journey
Otto van Gelre's time as bishop was short. He passed away on 1 September 1215. He died in a place called Voorthuizen, near Elten. At the time, he was traveling on his way to Rome, which was and still is a very important city for the Catholic Church.
