Johann Franz von Schönau-Zell

Johann Franz von Schönau-Zell was born in Ensisheim on 15 July 1619, the son of Marx Jakob von Schönau and of Margaretha von Reinach.[1] He spent his childhood in Waldshut after his father became bailiff of the forest there. His father set on a career in the clergy for his younger son.[1] The boy studied at Porrentruy, the University of Freiburg, Lucerne, and at the Collegium Germanicum in Rome.[1]

He was ordained as a priest on 15 April 1648.[2] On 18 September 1648 the cathedral chapter of Basel Münster elected him to be Prince-Bishop of Basel.[2] Pope Innocent X confirmed the appointment on 3 March 1653.[2] Thomas Henrici, auxiliary bishop of Basel on 15 June 1653.[2]

He died in Porrentruy on 30 November 1656.[1] He received heart-burial.[1]