Rudolf of Rüdesheim Bishop of Breslau, b. at Rüdesheim on the
Rhine, about 1402; d. at Breslau in Jan., 1482. From 1422 to
1426 he studied at the University of Heidelberg from which he
graduated as master. He then proceeded to Italy, graduated as
doctor in ecclesiastical law and became auditor of the Rota.
Numerous benefices were conferred upon him at an early date,
particularly in the dioceses of Mainz and Worms. From 1438
onward he represented the cathedral chapter of the latter city
at the schismatic Council of Basle, where he formed a friendship
with Enea Silvio de' Piccolomini, subsequently Pope Pius II. The
latter, his successor Paul II, and the Emperor Frederick III
entrusted Rudolf with important missions and difficult
negotiations. Pius II named him in 1463 Bishop of Lavant in
Tyrol. The See of Breslau was conferred on him in 1468, at a
time when the inhabitants were spiritedly resisting their ruler,
George Podiebrad, King of Bohemia. The latter had been deposed
and excommunicated, but maintained his