FRANKENBERG, JOHANN HEINRICH

FRANKENBERG, JOHANN HEINRICH. - Archbishop of Malines and cardinal, born 18 Sept. 1726 in Glogau, of an ancient and noble Silesian family, died 12 June 1804 in Breda. He entered the career

ecclesiastical career as dean at Olmütz and later archdeacon of the cathedral of Breslau; in March 1759 Empress Maria Theresa appointed him archbishop of Malines, and Pius VI created him a cardinal on June 1, 1778. He administered his diocese with dignity and conscience.

However, he could not get along with the imperial authority due to the caesaropapist interference of Emperor Joseph II. F. opposed in every way the establishment of general seminaries in his diocese, and fought, albeit in vain, against state overreach, though supported by the favor of the people. The situation became so tense that an imperial decree of August 1789 granted the reopening of the episcopal seminaries. The repentance of the political authorities, however, came too late, because shortly thereafter civil war broke out, lasting for over a year. The cardinal openly sided with the insurgents; nevertheless, upon the victorious return of the Habsburgs on December 13, 1790, he did not fail to urge his diocesans on the necessity of being obedient to the constituted authorities.