Background
He was born in Rottweil, Württemberg (afterwards part of Germany).
theologian university professor
He was born in Rottweil, Württemberg (afterwards part of Germany).
He studied theology and philosophy at the Maria Laach and Aachen abbeys.
Wernz was the first of the eight children of parents with deep faith and piety. He entered the society on December 5, 1857, made his novitiate at Gorheim near Sigmaringen, and took his first Vows on December 8, 1859. After a year of private study he became Professor of Canon Law at Ditton Hall and later at Street Beuno"son
Between 1882 and 1906 he taught canon law at the Gregorian University, the last two years spent there he also served as its rector.
After the death of Luis Martín, the vicar general summoned a congregation for August 31, 1906, but it began after a day"s postponement on September 1 and would last until October 18. On the third ballot taken on September 8, the 64-year-old Wernz was elected general.
During his generalate he vigorously promoted the spiritual life, opened missions and created provinces in all parts of the world. The whole continent of North America was one of his special interests and he approved the setting up of provinces, houses, and colleges the length and breadth of that vast territory.
One of his last letters written on December 25, 1913, to the society was on the celebration of the centenary of the society"s restitution, to take place the following year.
Wernz had been general for seven years and eleven months, from September 8, 1906, until he died on August 19, 1914. His death occurred only a few hours before that of Pope Pius X and a mere three weeks after the outbreak of the First World War. lieutenant would be a difficult time for his successor to begin leading an international Society in a world internationally shattered.