FRANZ GEORG BENKERT (1790–1859). German Catholic theologian and historian. Born 25 September 1790 at Nordheim (Rhön); died 20 May 1859 at Coburg. He completed his secondary studies at Mührerstadt and his theological formation at the University of Würzburg. Ordained priest in 1816, in 1821 he became vice-rector of the Würzburg seminary while continuing his studies, and he earned his doctorate in 1823.
In 1832 he was named rector of the same seminary; in 1838 he was elected canon and dean of the cathedral. In 1822 he founded and, until 1840, edited the journal Religionsfreund. At a time when the clergy inclined toward rationalism and liberalism, his efforts aimed to preserve intact the holiness of morals and the integrity of the faith. With the same purpose he founded (1827–28) the journal Athanasia, devoted to pastoral theology, ecclesiastical history, and pedagogy, which earned great merit for the renewal of ecclesiastical spirit. Yet Benkert sometimes allowed his impetuous, not always prudent zeal to guide him, thereby drawing many enemies, especially among the older clergy. Later, after withdrawing his collaboration from the journals, he devoted himself exclusively to local historical studies and, with deep erudition, wrote several works on the history of France.