Wolfgang Hannibal von Schrattenbach

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Cardinal von Schrattenbach
Tomb of Cardinal Wolfgang Hanibal Schrattenbach in Kroměříž

Wolfgang Hannibal von Schrattenbach (12 September 1660 – 22 July 1738) was a German Prince-Bishop of Olomouc, Viceroy of Naples and Cardinal.

Biography[edit]

He was born on 12 September 1660 in Lemberg Castle, Duchy of Styria, in the ancient Schrattenbach family. He graduated in Rome as Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Theology (1682). In the same year he became a canon in the Episcopal Chapter of Olomouc in the Margraviate of Moravia and a canon in the Archbishop's Chapter of Salzburg. Both principalities were part of the Holy Roman Empire. After his ordination to the priesthood (1688) he became dean of the chapter of Salzburg.

His ecclesiastical career took off with his appointment as Prince-Bishop of Olomouc (1711–1738), titular abbot and cardinal-priest of San Marcello al Corso in Rome (1714–1738).[1] Schrattenbach combined this with the position of advisor to Emperor Charles VI (from 1713) and Ambassador of the Emperor in Rome (1716–1719).

Emperor Charles VI then appointed him Viceroy of Naples in 1719. This was accompanied by the supreme command over the Austrian troops there, as the Kingdom of Naples was ruled by the Emperor in Vienna since 1713. He abdicated as Viceroy in 1721 and returned to his principality of Olomouc in Moravia.

He died in Brno on 22 July 1738. His grave is located in Kroměříž. There he was buried in a side chapel of the Church of Saint Maurice, one of the oldest churches in the town.[2]

References[edit]

Sources[edit]