Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau, Archbishop of Salzburg (1597)

Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau (1559-1617), who was related to the famous Medici family of Florence and to Archbishop Carlo Borromeo of Milan, attended the Collegium Germanicum in Rome. In 1587, he was elected to the see of Salzburg. With the aid of the Capuchins, he introduced a full program of Catholic reformation in this largely decayed see. In rebuilding the city’s churches, he gave preference to the new Baroque style. At first, he was a staunch proponent of the Counterreformation and had all of the Protestants expelled from Salzburg. In later years, however, his reign became more tolerant. In addition to his other activities, he also fathered a number of children with a wealthy burgher’s daughter, whom he hoped (in vain) to be permitted to marry. After being defeated by Bavarian troops in an armed conflict, he was forced to resign in 1612. He was kept in captivity until his death in 1617. Woodcut, Dominicus Custos, 1597.

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