From 1761 he taught at the Theresian Academy in Vienna and was from 1778 teacher of Emperor Francis II and his brothers in Florence.

He received episcopal consecration from the Bishop of Ljubljana, Michel Leopold Brigido von Marenfels und Bresoviz, on 23 October 1791.

On 29 April 1803, his former pupil, Francis II, appointed him Archbishop of Vienna, with confirmation taking place on 20 June.

He promoted the admission of Redemptorists and Mechitarists in Vienna and supported Klemens Maria Hofbauer.

He was an opponent of Napoleon and signed reluctantly in 1809 a pastoral letter inviting Austrian priests to return to their parishes.