BENKERT, FRANZ GEORG. - German Catholic theologian and church historian. Born on 25 September 1790 at Nordheim (Rhön) and died on 20 May 1859 at Coburg. He attended secondary school at Münnerstadt and pursued theological studies at the University of Würzburg. Ordained a priest in 1816, he became vice-rector of the seminary of Würzburg in 1821 while continuing his studies. He received his doctorate in 1823.
In 1832 he was rector of the same seminary; in 1838 he was elected canon and dean of the cathedral. In 1822 he founded and, until 1840, directed the journal Religionsfreund. At a time when the clergy was inclined toward rationalism and liberalism, his efforts aimed at preserving intact the holiness of morals and the integrity of the faith. For the same purpose he founded (1827-28) the journal Athanasia of pastoral theology, church history and pedagogy, which earned great merit for the renewal of the ecclesiastical spirit. But B. sometimes allowed himself to be guided by his impetuous zeal, not always prudent, and attracted many enmities, particularly among the older clergy. Later, having withdrawn his collaboration from the journals, he devoted himself exclusively to historical studies of local interest and, with profound knowledge, wrote various works on the history of Franconia.