Zbyněk Berka z Dubé

Zbyněk Berka z Dubé was born in Dřevěnice in 1551, the son of Zedenék Berka z Dubé and his wife Katharina z Haugwitz.[1] Being born into the House of Berka z Dubé, he was a member of the Bohemian nobility.[1]

He was educated with the Jesuits at Prague and Olomouc.[1] He then attended the University of Cracow, where he received a licentiate in theology.[1] Next, he studied at the University of Ingolstadt, receiving a doctorate in theology.[1]

He was ordained as a priest in Prague in 1574.[1] Shortly thereafter, he became a canon of Salzburg Cathedral, St. Vitus Cathedral, Stará Boleslav Cathedral, Olomouc Cathedral, Litoměřice Cathedral, Regensburg Cathedral, and Oetting Cathedral.[1] In 1574, he became provost of the Basilica of St Peter and St Paul, and later became provost of Saint Wenceslas Cathedral (1577), Oetting Cathedral (1581), Regensburg Cathedral (1582), and Litoměřice (1587).[1]

In 1578, Pope Gregory XIII named him chamberlain to the pope and a protonotary apostolic.[1] He served as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Regensburg from 1582 to 1587.[1] He became grand master of the Knights of the Cross with the Red Star in 1590, holding this position until his death.[1]

The cathedral chapter of St. Vitus Cathedral elected Berka z Dubé to be Archbishop of Prague on June 21, 1593.[1] On October 10, 1593, he was consecrated as a bishop by Cesare Speciano, Bishop of Cremona.[1]

On June 15, 1603, Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor granted him the title of prince of the Holy Roman Empire.[1]

In 1606, Pope Paul V announced his intention to make Berka z Dubé a cardinal, but Berka z Dubé died before his elevation could take place.[1]

He died in Prague on March 6, 1606, and is buried in St. Vitus Cathedral.[1]