Father Conrad III von Bibra | |
|---|---|
| Prince-Bishop-Elect of Würzburg | |
 Painting of Conrad von Bibra | |
| Native name | Konrad III. von Bibra |
| See | Würzburg |
| Appointed | 1 July 1540 |
| Term ended | 4 August 1544 |
| Predecessor | Koenrad von Thüngen |
| Successor | Melchior Zobel von Giebelstadt |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1490 |
| Died | 4 August 1544 (aged 53–54) |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
Conrad von Bibra (or Konrad III von Bibra), Duke in Franconia (1490–1544) was Prince-Bishop of Würzburg from 1540 to 1544.
Born in 1490, he studied at the universities of Cologne, Bologna, Erfurt and Ingolstadt. His whole life Conrad seemed to have had a hard time making up his mind about being a priest. Three times between 1520 and 1532 he entered a priestly position and then resigned. In 1525 during the German Peasants' War, Conrad was among the defenders of the Fortress Marienberg at Würzburg which was under siege. Afterwards he served on the commission determining damages. Finally in February 1539 he entered a priestly position again. On 28 April 1540 he became Provost of Neu Münster in Würzburg. Already on 1 July 1540, he was surprisingly elected Prince Bishop. Afterwards he showed an independent even uncooperative attitude. Seven times he put off his ordination as a priest and bishop. Also despite the Emperor's admonitions, he gave excuses and refused to personally attend meetings of the Imperial Diet.
In 1542 when the plague broke out in Würzburg, he moved his court to Aschach and Neustadt. In August 1544 after reigning only four years he died which apparently solved the problem of his never having completed his ordination vows or formal installation as bishop.
Conrad is also known for the Bishopric of Würzburg exchanging Meiningen in 1542 to the House of Henneberg in exchange for the administrative district (Amt) of Mainberg.