His parents were Franz von Liechtenstein-Kastelkorn, Imperial Privy Councillor, and Katharina b. Freiin Pavlovská.

After he had decided on a spiritual career, he received in 1709 a canon in Olomouc and studied from 1709 to 1712 at the Collegium Germanicum in Rome, where he acquired a theological doctorate.

After being ordained a priest in Rome in 1713, he worked for several years in the episcopal chancery in Olomouc and was at the same time an archdeacon in Troppau.

The pontifical garment he wore at this ceremony is now in the treasury of Saint Wenceslas Cathedral in Olomouc.

Due to the high debts of the archbishopric, his short reign was overshadowed by disputes with the cathedral chapter.