Johann Faber

Johann Faber (1478–1541), born in Swabia, studied theology and canon law and became vicar-general of Constance in 1517. Once sympathetic to Zwingli's reforms, he became their steadfast opponent, debating Zwingli at the First Zürich Disputation of 1523 and publishing his Malleus Haereticorum, or hammer of heretics.

As Archduke Ferdinand's confessor from 1524 and Bishop of Vienna from 1530, he helped draft the Catholic refutation of the Augsburg Confession and led the campaign against Protestant teaching in Austria.

He also undertook missions to Spain and England seeking aid against the Turks, and as bishop founded twelve scholarships for poor boys. He died at Baden near Vienna.