Karol Ferdynand Vasa

Prince Charles Ferdinand Vasa (Polish: Karol Ferdynand Waza; October 13, 1613 in Warsaw – May 9, 1655 in Wyszków), was a Polish nobleman, prince, priest, Bishop of Wrocław from 1625, bishop of Płock from 1640 and Duke of Opole from 1648 to 1655.

Biography

Charles Ferdinand was the fourth son of King Sigismund III Vasa and his wife Constance of Austria and the brother of John Casimir, John Albert, Alexander Charles and Anna Catherine Constance. Charles Ferdinand spent his childhood and youth in the care of his mother at the royal court in Warsaw. On March 23, 1624, he received from Pope Urban VIII dispensation, allowing him to take the dignity of being a canon in Wrocław. In this case, cardinal-protector Cosmo de Torres intervened with the pope.

On May 3, 1625, through the political efforts of Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor, he was appointed the Bishop of Wrocław. On October 22, 1625 he received papal approval for the post. On January 18, 1626, despite being a minor (13 years old) and not having a proper ordination ceremony he was officially installed as bishop.