ArchishopElector

Archbishop-Elector refers to a specific historical and ecclesiastical office within the Holy Roman Empire and, by extension, the Catholic Church. These individuals held both significant religious authority as archbishops and crucial secular power as prince-electors of the Empire. The role combined spiritual leadership over an archdiocese with the right to elect the Holy Roman Emperor.

The most prominent Archbishop-Electors were the Archbishops of Mainz, Cologne, and Trier. These three held particularly high status due to their ancient sees and their traditional roles in the imperial coronation process. In addition to these, the Archbishop of Bohemia was also considered an Elector for a period, though this was less consistent. The number of electors varied over time, but these ecclesiastical princes consistently formed a key part of the electoral college.

Their dual role made them powerful figures, capable of influencing both church policy and imperial politics. They possessed considerable land, wealth, and military forces within their territories, which were effectively independent principalities. The election of an emperor was a complex process heavily influenced by the votes of these powerful church leaders, often involving intricate negotiations and political maneuvering. The office gradually faded in relevance with the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806.