HEINRICH, JOHANN BAPTIST. – Theologian, b. Mainz 15 Apr. 1816, d. there 9 Feb. 1891. He studied law at Giessen and obtained his habilitation there. In 1842 he turned to theological studies at Tübingen, Freiburg im Br., and Mainz, where he was ordained priest in 1844. As a curate in Mainz Cathedral he took an active part in the religious events of his diocese. He clearly perceived the great opportunities opening for the Church’s freedom in the new political and social atmosphere created after 1848 and the grave responsibilities devolving upon Catholics.
He was therefore tireless in instructing and rousing the laity to defend the Church’s rights: noteworthy in this regard are the articles he published in the *Mainzer Journal*, his activity in the Piusverein, and his famous lectures at the General Congresses of Catholic associations in Germany (*Katholikentage*). H. was the acknowledged leader of the Mainz Circle, which among the various spiritual currents of 19th-century Germany stood out for its combative and steadfast attachment to Rome. From 1850 until his death he was editor of the journal *Der Katholik*, which contains many of his articles; in 1876 he was one of the co-founders of the Görres Society.
The new bishop of Mainz, von Ketteler, found in H. a trusted man; in 1851 he appointed him professor of theology at the diocesan seminary, in 1855 canon, and in 1869 his vicar general. At the bishop’s side H. waged hard struggles with civil authority for the Church’s freedom, continuing along the same line even in the difficult years following Ketteler’s death.
A staunch supporter of Neo-Thomism, he defended it with ardor, at times not without scorn. Notable among his writings: *Dogmatische Theologie* (6 vols., Mainz 1873–90), later completed (vols. VII–X) by C. Gutberlet.
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