Albert (or Albrecht) I

Albert (Or Albrecht) I

archbishop OF MENTZ, was the son of Sigebert, count of Saarbruck, and chancellor of the emperor Henry V. In 1110 he accompanied this prince to Italy, and on their return to Germany Albert was elected archbishop (Aug. 15, 1111), and immediately received the investiture by the ring and pastoral staff. The following year he took part against Henry, who, with the Council of Vienna, attempted the excommunication of the pope; and Henry, surprised and irritated at this, cast him into the prison of Treufels, where he suffered for three years, until, in 1115, he was released at the threats and demands of the people. Albert resorted to Cologne, and there received his episcopal ordination at the hands of Otho, bishop of Bamberg, in the presence of Thierri, cardinal-legate. But the city of Mentz soon changed its regard for him, and in 1116 it is said that such a sedition was raised against him that he was obliged to take flight, but was soon restored by his friends. Albert still persevered in his aversion for the emperor, and sought every occasion to injure him, not only with pope Paschal, but also with Gelasius II and Calixtus II, his successors. This roused the spirit of revenge in Henry, and they became exceedingly hostile towards each other. These hostilities were arrested by a Diet which was held at Wurburg. Albert assisted (Sept. 8,1122), with the cardinal-legate Lambert, who was afterwards pope under the name of Honorius II, at the Dict of Worms, where this prince renounced his investitures, but retained the right of conferring the regalia upon prelates. Henry died in 1125, and Albert accordingly called an assembly for the election of a new emperor. The choice was for Lothaire, which was in accordance with the desires of Honorius II and the king of France, and for him Albert worked zealously. Albert died July 14, 1137, and was interred in the abbey of Erbach, which he had founded. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.