Theodor Innitzer (25 December 1875 – 9 October 1955) was Archbishop of Vienna and a cardinal of the Catholic Church. Early life Innitzer was born in Neugeschrei (Nové Zvolání), part of the town Weipert (Vejprty) in Bohemia, at that time Austria-Hungary, (now Czech Republic). He was the son of a passementier Wilhelm Innitzer in Vejprty, House Nr. 362, later a textile factory worker, and his wife Maria born Seidl, daughter of a mining clerk. After completing the minimum mandatory school, Innitzer became an apprentice in a textile factory. The dean of his home parish supported the young Theodor, which allowed him to attend a gymnasium (1890–1892 Communal-Gymnasium), and Staatsgymnasium (1892–1898) in Kaaden (Kadaň). Ecclesiastical career 1898 – entered the seminary in Vienna 1902 – became a priest 1906 – received his Dr. theol. (Doctorate in Theology) 1908 to 1911 Privatdozent at the University of Vienna 1911 to 1932 professor and (from 1913) Chair for New Testament Exegesis 1928 to 1929 Rector of the University of Vienna 1929 to 1930 Minister of Social Affairs in the third government of Chancellor Johann Schober 1932 Archbishop of Vienna 1933 Cardinal, Founded the Cathedral and Diocesan Museum of Vienna Political activity and assessment The Anschluss Innitzer's role in early 20th century Austrian history remains disputed, because of his involvement in politics. Despite being intimidated into supporting the Anschluss after being assaulted by Nazi supporters, Innitzer became a critic of the Nazis and was subject to further violent intimidation from them. This assessment stems from his cooperation with the Austro-fascist government of Engelbert Dollfuß and Kurt Schuschnigg from 1934 to 1938, which based many of its economic and social policies on the teachings of the Catholic Church. He and the other Austrian Catholic bishops signed a declaration endorsing the Anschluss, set up by Gauleiter Josef Bürckel, and signed by Innitzer with "Heil Hitler!". Without the bishops' consent the Nazi regime disseminated this statement throughout the German Reich. Upon hearing of this act, Pope Pius XI ordered Cardinal Innitzer to sign a clarification, which was then published in L'Osservatore Romano. Vatican Radio had recently broadcast a vehement denunciation of the Nazi action, and Cardinal Pacelli (soon to become Pope Pius XII) ordered Innitzer to report to the Vatican. Before meeting with Pius XI, Innitzer met with Pacelli, who had been outraged by Innitzer's statement. He made it clear that Innitzer needed to retract and was made