FRANCK, KASPAR. - Theologian and controversialist, b. at Ortrand (Meissen-Saxony) on 2 Nov. 1543, d. at Ingolstadt on 12 March 1584. In 1568 he abjured Lutheranism, into which he had been born, and immediately, by dispensation of Pius V, was ordained a priest. He then returned as a preacher of Catholicism to the lands that had heard him proclaim Lutheranism, bringing many back to the faith.
From 1578 he held the chair of exegesis at Ingolstadt. Councillor to Duke Albert of Bavaria, friend of Card. Hosio, he was among the most representative figures of Catholic Germany. Broad learning and compelling argumentative force characterize his polemics, always supported by extensive knowledge of patristic literature, by means of which, in his abundant output (24 works), he effectively refuted his most formidable opponents.