BATTHYÁNY, JÓZSEF

BATTHYÁNY, JÓZSEF. – Hungarian cardinal, born in Vienna in 1727, died in Presburg in 1799. Appointed bishop of Transylvania in 1759; in 1776 he became archbishop of Kalocsa, then of Strigonia, and in 1778 was created cardinal. He crowned Leopold II and Francis II. He was one of the highest minds and one of the most fascinating orators of his age. A faithful counselor of Maria Teresa, he later openly opposed the innovations of Joseph II, resolutely defending the rights of the Church and of his country. When Pius VI went to Vienna, B. acted as intermediary between him and the emperor, to the satisfaction of both parties. On this occasion the Pope conferred the cardinal’s hat upon him on 19 April 1778. He left a rich library and an important collection of manuscripts. He donated the present “city park” to the city of Budapest.