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Franz Xavier WernzGeneral of the Society of Jesus
Date of Birth: 04.12.1842
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Franz Wernz: General of the Society of Jesus
- Education and Missions
- Exile and Return
- Election as General
- Leadership of the Order
- Later Years and Legacy
Franz Wernz: General of the Society of Jesus
Early Life and VocationFranz Wernz was born in Rottweil, Württemberg, as the eldest of eight children to a devout Catholic family. In 1857, he entered the Jesuit novitiate near Sigmaringen and professed his vows on December 8, 1859.
Education and Missions
Wernz pursued studies in philosophy and theology at Maria Laach Abbey and Aachen. From 1864 to 1868 and 1872 to 1873, he taught at the Jesuit college in Feldkirch, Austria.
Exile and Return
Following the Kulturkampf policy that expelled Jesuits from Germany, Wernz relocated to Lancashire, England, and later to Wales. In 1882, he became professor of canon law at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, where he also served as rector for a period.
Election as General
After the death of Jesuit General Louis Martin in 1906, Wernz was elected as the 25th Superior General of the Society of Jesus on September 8, 1906.
Leadership of the Order
As General, Wernz focused on missionary activities, particularly in North America. Under his leadership, periodical journals for the order were established in German and Polish.
Later Years and Legacy
Wernz passed away on August 19, 1914, and was buried in the Campo Verano cemetery in Rome. He was succeeded as General by Wlodimir Ledóchowski.
