Wilhelm Molitor

Wilhelm Molitor (pseudonyms Ulric Riesler and Benno Bronner) (24 August 1819 at Zweibrücken in the Rhine Palatinate – 11 January 1880 at Speyer) was a German poet, novelist, canon lawyer and publicist, and Roman Catholic priest.

After studying philosophy and jurisprudence in Munich and Heidelberg (1836–40), he held various juridical positions in the service of the State from 1843-9.

Feeling himself called to the priesthood, he studied theology at Bonn (1849–51) and was ordained priest on 15 March 1851.

His ultramontane principles made him unacceptable to the Bavarian Government, which in consequence repeatedly prevented his election to the See of Speyer.

He is the author of numerous poems, dramas, novels, sketches on the questions of the day, and a few juridical treatises.