Joseph Othmar Von Rauscher, an Austrian cardinal, born in Vienna, Oct. 6, 1797, died in November, 1875. He became successively professor of canon law and church history at Salzburg, rector of the oriental academy of Vienna, preceptor to the present emperor and the archdukes Maximilian and Charles Louis, prince-bishop of Seckau in 1849, prince-archbishop of Vienna in 1853, and cardinal Dec. 17, 1855. This last dignity was bestowed in acknowledgment of his services in bringing about the concordat of Aug. 18, 1855, between Austria and the holy see. He was foremost among the German episcopate in opposing the introduction of the question of papal infallibility, and in April, 1870, published a pamphlet arguing strongly the dangers of such a discussion. When the general debate on infallibility was closed by the presiding legates in the beginning of June, a meeting of prelates was called at his residence, at which a protest was drawn up against the act of the legates. His last speech in the council warned the fathers that fatal consequences would ensue from a declaration. He was one of the 88 bishops who voted non placet on July 13, and one of the 55 who signed a formal protest against the manner of proceeding.

He afterward acquiesced in the decision of the majority, and promulgated the dogma for acceptance by his flock. After 1870 Cardinal Rauscher strenuously opposed the Old Catholic movement.