1. Early Life and Ecclesiastical Career
Marquard Sebastian Schenk von Stauffenberg's early life was marked by his noble birth and his initial steps into the church hierarchy, which set the foundation for his future role as a Prince-Bishop.
1.1. Birth and Family Background
Marquard Sebastian Schenk von Stauffenberg was born on May 14, 1644, in Eichstätt, a city in the modern-day German state of Bavaria. He belonged to the distinguished Schenk von Stauffenberg family, an ancient noble lineage originating from the Swabian region of Germany. This family background provided him with connections and opportunities within the ecclesiastical and political spheres of the Holy Roman Empire.
1.2. Early Ecclesiastical Career
Before his elevation to Prince-Bishop, Marquard Sebastian held various significant ecclesiastical appointments, establishing his presence within the church. He served as a canon in several prominent cathedrals, including the Bamberg Cathedral, Würzburg Cathedral, and Augsburg Cathedral. These early roles provided him with administrative experience and a deep understanding of church governance, preparing him for higher office.
2. Prince-Bishop of Bamberg
Marquard Sebastian Schenk von Stauffenberg's time as Prince-Bishop of Bamberg was characterized by his election to the high office, his active administration of the diocese, and his lasting impact through architectural patronage.
2.1. Election and Appointment
On June 10, 1683, Marquard Sebastian was elected as the Prince-Bishop of Bamberg. This significant appointment placed him as both the spiritual head of the Diocese of Bamberg and the temporal ruler of the Prince-Bishopric. His election was subsequently confirmed by Pope Innocent XI on September 2, 1686, solidifying his authority within the Catholic Church. Furthermore, the Japanese source indicates that his appointment was also endorsed by Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I, highlighting the political significance of his position. He received his ordination as a priest and was consecrated as a bishop on April 6, 1687, by Stephan Weinberger, who served as the auxiliary bishop of Augsburg.
2.2. Church Administration and Pastoral Activities
As Prince-Bishop, Marquard Sebastian was deeply involved in the administration of the Bamberg diocese. He held the additional prestigious position of Cantor of Bamberg Cathedral, reflecting his active role in the spiritual and ceremonial life of the diocese. He demonstrated strong support for the missionary activities undertaken by the Jesuits, reflecting his commitment to the propagation of the Catholic faith. Under his leadership, the diocese successfully organized numerous fundraising initiatives, securing substantial donations and obtaining significant subsidies for various church construction projects throughout his episcopal territory.
2.3. Architectural Patronage
Marquard Sebastian Schenk von Stauffenberg made substantial contributions to the architectural landscape of his diocese, embodying the Baroque artistic flourishing of his era. He took possession of and initiated the extensive rebuilding of Schloss Greifenstein (Greifenstein Castle) between 1691 and 1693. This significant project transformed the castle into a grand Baroque residence, with the prominent Bavarian architect Leonhard Dientzenhofer overseeing the work. The Japanese source specifies that he personally purchased Schloss Greifenstein as his private property before undertaking its renovation.
In addition to Schloss Greifenstein, he also commissioned the construction of Schloss Seehof (Seehof Palace), which was intended to serve as the bishop's summer residence. This undertaking further showcased his commitment to enhancing the ducal residences within his domain. Despite these successes, some of his architectural ambitions remained unfulfilled. He had planned extensive renovation and expansion works for Giechburg Castle, another important fortified site within his bishopric, but these plans did not come to fruition during his lifetime.
3. Death
Marquard Sebastian Schenk von Stauffenberg's tenure as Prince-Bishop of Bamberg concluded with his death on October 9, 1693. He served in this significant dual role as both a spiritual and temporal leader for ten years.
4. Assessment and Legacy
Marquard Sebastian Schenk von Stauffenberg's period as Prince-Bishop of Bamberg left a notable mark on the diocese, particularly through his administrative achievements, financial endeavors, and significant architectural projects.
4.1. Achievements and Contributions
His key accomplishments include demonstrating strong administrative capabilities in governing the Prince-Bishopric. He was particularly adept at financial management, successfully securing substantial funding for the church through extensive fundraising efforts and obtaining significant subsidies for construction. This financial acumen allowed for considerable investment in the diocese's infrastructure and religious buildings. His lasting impact is most visibly represented by his architectural patronage, specifically the transformation of Schloss Greifenstein into a Baroque masterpiece and the commissioning of Schloss Seehof. Furthermore, his support for religious orders, such as the Jesuits and their missionary activities, contributed to the spiritual life and outreach of the diocese during his time.
4.2. Criticism and Controversies
Based on available information, there are no specific criticisms or controversies explicitly detailed regarding Marquard Sebastian Schenk von Stauffenberg's actions or decisions during his lifetime.