Deaths on May 5

Frederick III, Elector of Saxony (b. 1463)

Frederick III (born January 17, 1463, died May 5, 1525), widely recognized as Frederick the Wise (German: Friedrich der Weise), held the prestigious title of Elector of Saxony from 1486 until his passing in 1525. He is primarily remembered by history for his steadfast and worldly protection of his subject, the groundbreaking theologian Martin Luther, during the tumultuous dawn of the Protestant Reformation.

Early Life and Ascension to Elector

Born into one of the most prominent princely houses of the Holy Roman Empire, Frederick was the son of Ernest, Elector of Saxony, and Elisabeth, daughter of Albert III, Duke of Bavaria. This lineage placed him at the heart of the intricate web of German noble families. Upon his father's death in 1486, Frederick inherited the Electorate of Saxony, a significant and powerful territory within the Empire. As an Elector, he was one of a select group of princes responsible for electing the Holy Roman Emperor, a testament to his considerable influence and standing in the political landscape of Central Europe.

The Dawn of the Reformation and Luther's Patronage

Frederick's reign coincided with a period of immense religious upheaval in Europe, spearheaded by the Augustinian monk and professor at the University of Wittenberg, Martin Luther. Luther's critiques of various practices within the Roman Catholic Church, famously articulated in his Ninety-five Theses, quickly gained traction, but also drew the ire of both papal and imperial authorities. It was in this explosive environment that Frederick III emerged as one of Luther's most crucial and powerful early defenders.

His intervention successfully shielded Luther from the significant dangers posed by the Holy Roman Emperor, the Pope, and other powerful figures who sought to suppress Luther's reformist ideas, even calling for his arrest and condemnation as a heretic. This protection was not merely symbolic; it provided Luther with a sanctuary in Saxony, allowing him to continue his work and laying the groundwork for the spread of the Reformation.

Frederick's Motivations and Principles

Crucially, Frederick's motives for protecting Luther were complex and did not initially stem from a deep personal religious conviction aligned with Luther’s burgeoning doctrines. Instead, his stance was firmly rooted in his profound belief in the rule of law and the principle of a fair trial for any of his subjects. This privilege, guaranteeing a legal hearing, was a right enshrined by the imperial statutory law—the established legal framework of the Holy Roman Empire—which princes like Frederick were duty-bound to uphold. For Frederick, the issue was one of justice and the proper legal process, rather than theological agreement. He insisted that Luther be given a proper hearing and not be condemned without due process, famously advocating for Luther's appearance at the Diet of Worms in 1521, where he was granted safe conduct.

Relationship with Luther and Personal Faith

Despite his pivotal role in safeguarding the Reformer, Frederick had remarkably little direct personal contact with Martin Luther himself. Communications were largely handled through trusted intermediaries, most notably his long-serving treasurer, Degenhart Pfaffinger. Pfaffinger, whose family was part of a respected German dynasty, had been a staunch supporter and close confidant of Frederick since their shared pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He acted as the Elector's voice and representative in dealings with Luther, ensuring that Frederick's intentions and protections were clearly communicated.

Regarding his personal faith, Frederick III is generally considered to have remained a Roman Catholic throughout the majority of his life. However, historical accounts suggest a gradual inclination toward certain doctrines of the Reformation as he aged, reflecting the shifting religious landscape of his time. It is also widely reported, though with some historical debate, that he supposedly converted to Lutheranism on his deathbed, embracing the very movement he had so diligently protected.

Legacy and Commemoration

Frederick the Wise's legacy is intrinsically linked to the survival and early success of the Protestant Reformation. His commitment to justice and his unwavering protection of Martin Luther provided the necessary space and time for Luther’s ideas to take root and spread, fundamentally altering the course of European history. In recognition of his significant role as a Christian ruler and a patron of the Reformation, Frederick III is commemorated in the Calendar of Saints by the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod on May 5th, the anniversary of his passing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Frederick the Wise

Who was Frederick the Wise?

Frederick III, also known as Frederick the Wise, was the Elector of Saxony from 1486 to 1525, primarily remembered for his crucial protection of Martin Luther during the early years of the Protestant Reformation.

Why did Frederick III protect Martin Luther?

Frederick protected Martin Luther not primarily due to shared religious convictions, but because he believed in the rule of law and his subject's right to a fair trial, a privilege guaranteed by imperial statutory law. He insisted Luther should not be condemned without due process.

Was Frederick III a Protestant?

Frederick III largely remained Roman Catholic throughout his life, though he showed a growing inclination toward Reformation doctrines. There is a strong tradition, though debated by some historians, that he converted to Lutheranism on his deathbed.

What was the Elector of Saxony's role in the Holy Roman Empire?

As an Elector, Frederick III was one of a small group of powerful princes responsible for electing the Holy Roman Emperor. This position granted him significant political influence, authority over his territory (Saxony), and a powerful voice in imperial affairs.

How did Frederick III interact with Martin Luther?

Frederick III had very little direct personal contact with Martin Luther. Most communications and arrangements were managed through his trusted treasurer, Degenhart Pfaffinger, who served as the Elector's intermediary.