He was ordained on 14 July 1878 and did pastoral work in the archdiocese of Vienna until 1882, when he was appointed chaplain of S. Maria dell'Anima in Rome, where he served until 1883.

He was professor of philosophy and exegesis at the Seminary of Sankt Pölten until 1885.

He was created Protonotary apostolic in 1893 and was Canon of the cathedral chapter of Vienna.

He was created Cardinal-Priest of San Marco in the consistory of 27 November 1911 by Pope Pius X.

During his time as Archbishop of Vienna he was a counselor to Emperor Franz Josef I of Austria and member of the Chamber of Lords and of the Landtag.