BENKERT, FRANZ GEORG. - Catholic theologian and ecclesiastical historian. Born on 25 Sept. 1790 at Nordheim (Rhön) and died on 20 May 1859 at Coburgo. He pursued his secondary studies at Münnerstadt and theological studies at the University of Würzburg. Ordained priest in 1816, in 1821 he became vice-rector of the seminary of Würzburg, while continuing his studies. He took his degree in 1823.
In 1832 he became 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 were inclined toward rationalism and liberalism, his efforts aimed at preserving intact the sanctity of morals and the integrity of the faith. For the same purpose he founded (1827-28) the journal Athanasia, devoted to pastoral theology, ecclesiastical history, and pedagogy, which rendered great service to the renewal of the ecclesiastical spirit. But B. sometimes allowed himself to be guided by his impetuous, not always prudent zeal, and incurred many enmities, especially among the older clergy. Subsequently, having withdrawn his collaboration from the journals, he devoted himself exclusively to historical studies of local interest and, with profound knowledge, wrote various works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.
BBL.: F. Lauchert, s. V. in LThK, II, col. 171.