John Theodore of Bavaria

Johann Theodor of Bavaria (3 September 1703 – 27 January 1763) was an 18th century cardinal who served as the Prince-Bishop of Regensburg, Prince-Bishop of Freising, and the Prince-Bishop of Liège. Early life Johann Theodor was the son of Elector Maximilian II Emanuel of Bavaria and of his wife Theresa Kunegunda Sobieska (daughter of King John III Sobieski of Poland). He was educated at the University of Ingolstadt in Bavaria and at the University of Siena. Ecclesiastical career Johann Theodor was elected bishop of Regensburg by its cathedral chapter on 29 July 1719, at age 15. The election received papal confirmation 14 October 1721. He was elected coadjutor bishop of Freising by its cathedral chapter on 5 November 1723. The election received papal confirmation on 12 April 1726, and he was permitted to retain the see of Regensburg. Johann Theodor was ordained subdeacon in 1724. He was ordained priest on 8 April 1730. After receiving a papal dispensation on 4 August 1730 to receive episcopal consecration before the canonically required age (he was only 27 years old), he was consecrated bishop on 1 October 1730, in the cathedral of Münster, by his brother Clemens August of Bavaria, Archbishop and Elector of Cologne, assisted by Johann Adolf von Horde, titular bishop of Flaviopoli, and by Ferdinand Oesterhof, titular bishop of Agatonice.