Wilhelm von Bibra

Papal Emissary

Wilhelm functioned as a Papal Emissary for both the archbishop of Cologne and Kaiser Friedrich. Wilhelm’s half brother, Prince Bishop Lorenz von Bibra of Würzburg, in 1487 wrote a letter of introduction to Pope Innocent VIII for Wilhelm who was being sent to the Vatican as emissary of Archbishop Herman of Cologne. As an emissary, he traveled to Rome three times: 1483, 1487, and 1490. By July 8, 1490, Wilhelm was referred to as "miles auratus" (a reference to him being a Knight of the Golden Spur). In 1490, Wilhelm became ill when returning from Rome as an emissary of the emperor Frederick III. He was a guest at the Palazzo of the countly Pellegrini family when he died August 28, 1490. Wilhelm's tomb stone is still to be seen in the Pellegrini Chapel of the Santa Anastasia in Verona. Originally, it was on the floor and was moved to the wall in summer of 1804.

von Bibra Family

Wilhelm was a member of the aristocratic Franconian von Bibra family which among its members were Wilhelm’s half brother, Lorenz von Bibra Prince-Bishop of Würzburg, Duke in Franconia, Conrad von Bibra, Prince-Bishop of Würzburg, Duke in Franconia (1490-1544), Heinrich von Bibra, Prince-Bishop, Prince-Abbot of Fulda (1711-1788) and Ernst von Bibra (1806-1878), naturalist and author.

Description of inscription on grave

Nobilis et stren,. Doms. Gulielmus de Bibra Eques aureus, Ducatu Franciae Orientalis Oriundus, Sereniss. D. Frederici III◦ Caesoris victiss, et Massimiliani eius nati, incliti Romanorum Regis Consiliar ad S.D.N. Archiepiscp.) Innocentiu Pap. VIII◦ Orator et Nuntius, atque Reverendiss. D. Hermani Archiepiscopi Coloniensis Principis Electoris Magister Curiae et consiliarius completa legatione ex Ro. Domus regreditur. Obiit in hac inclita Urbe Veronae die. S.S. August: anno 1490. Cuius anima requiescat in pace. In piedi ancora queste parole: Peregrinorum familia pietatis gratia nunc mihi soli in hoc sacello tu mulum concessit An. MLXXXX.