Founded in 741, the diocese lost all temporal power after the Napoleonic wars.

[3] A diocese was established in Würzburg by Saint Boniface, who in 741 consecrated his friend Saint Burchard as bishop;[4] In 742 Pope Zachary confirmed the selection of Burchard.

[5] Carloman (mayor of the palace) gave great gifts of land to the bishopric.

Like the majority of his successors, Burchard lived at the Marienburg, which he had received from the last duke in exchange for another fortified castle.

[6] Bishop Bernwelf (785-800) replaced the Benedictine secular clergy at the cathedral by the Brothers of St. Kilian, who led a common life after the rule of Chrodegang of Metz.