Anselm of Meissen

Who was Anselm of Meissen?

Anselm of Meissen was a priest of the Teutonic Order and the first actual Bishop of Warmia.

As his name suggests, Anselm originated from Meißen. He became a priest in or before 1245.

In Prussia, which was still mainly inhabited by heathen Old Prussians, the Prince-Bishopric of Warmia had been created in 1243 by the papal legate William of Modena, along with bishoprics of Culm, Pomesania, and Samland. These four dioceses came under the rule of the appointed Archbishop of Prussia. Several bishops at that time, including Anselm, were priests of the Teutonic Order which undertook the ongoing Prussian Crusade in the East.

Heinrich of Strateich, the first elected Bishop of Warmia, was unable to claim his office. On 28. August 1250 in Valenciennes, Anselm of Meissen was consacred by Petrus de Collemed, and at least since 27. April 1251, Anselm was present in Warmia.

The bishop ruled one-third of his exempt bishopric also as a secular ruler for his support. His status as a prince of the Holy Roman Empire was confirmed in the Golden Bull of Emperor Charles IV. The other part was governed by the Order, with the bishop having clerical jurisdiction there. The borders were drawn in 1254.