Francis George of Schönborn-Buchheim

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Francis George of Schönborn-Buchheim.

Francis George of Schönborn-Buchheim (German: Franz Georg von Schönborn-Buchheim, 15 June 1682 - 18 January 1756) was the Archbishop of Trier from 1729 until 1756, and the Bishop of Worms and Provost of Ellwangen from 1732 until 1756.

[edit] Biography

Francis George was the ninth son of the Count of Schönborn-Buchheim and the nephew of Lothar Francis of Schönborn, the Archbishop of Mainz. Francis George's brothers were John Philip Francis, Frederick Charles and Hugh Damian, all three important churchmen. Beginning in 1702 he studied law, philosophy, theology, geography, history, and language at Salzburg, Siena, and Leiden. After completing his studies he travelled to the Vatican, Spain and England. Through the influence of his uncle, Francis George gained valuable contacts in the court of the Holy Roman Emperor in Vienna. After his uncle died in 1729 and Francis Louis of Palatinate-Neuburg, Archbishop of Trier succeeded him vacating his own see, Francis George was unanimously elected the new Archbishop of Trier. Owing to the protection of the Papacy in 1732 he was also elected the Bishop of Worms and the Provost of Ellwangen.

Politically Francis George sided with the House of Habsburg, and through it the Archbishopric of Trier became involved in the great conflicts of the day. In the second half of his reign, Francis George retired from active involvement in politics, and focused on administration and construction projects. From 1737 until 1753 he constructed a baroque residence in Ellwangen. Beginning in 1739 he began the extension of the Philippsburg of Ehrenbreitstein in Coblenz. He also constructed a new summer residence. Despite being pious, Francis George worked hard to increase the level of education amongst the populace. He outlawed several pilgrimages, holidays and exorcisms. Towards the end of his life Francis George's power declined with that of his families. He died in Philippsburg in 1756 and was buried in the Cathedral of Trier.