Joseph Clemens of Bavaria

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Joseph Clemens von Wittelsbach (December 5, 1671 - November 12, 1723) was an archbishop of Cologne, Germany, from 1688 to 1723.

The third son of Ferdinand Maria of Bavaria and his wife, Henrietta Adelaide of Savoy, Joseph Clemens was designated by his parents for a life in the church. He became Archbishop of Cologne in 1688 after the death of Maximilian Henry of Bavaria, and his appointment to that post by Pope Innocent XI was one cause of the War of the Grand Alliance. He later also served as Prince-Bishop of Liège, and Bishop of Regensburg, of Freising and of Hildesheim.

As did his brother Maximilian II Emanuel, Elector of Bavaria, Joseph Clemens allied with France during the War of Spanish Succession and was forced to flee his residence Bonn in 1702 and found refuge at the French court.

The war was finally ended in 1713 with the Treaty of Utrecht, which restored Joseph Clemens. He died in Bonn, and was buried at the Cologne Cathedral. Joseph Clemens was succeeded by his nephew Clemens August of Bavaria.

Preceded by Maximilian Henry of Bavaria

Archbishop of Cologne 1688–1723

Succeeded by Clemens August I of Bavaria