Francis George was the ninth son of the Count of Schönborn-Buchheim and the nephew of Lothar Francis of Schönborn, the Archbishop of Mainz. Francis George's brothers were John Philip Francis, Frederick Charles and Hugh Damian, all three important churchmen. Beginning in 1702 he studied law, philosophy, theology, geography, history, and language at Salzburg, Siena, and Leiden. After completing his studies he travelled to the Vatican, Spain and England. Through the influence of his uncle, Francis George gained valuable contacts in the court of the Holy Roman Emperor in Vienna. After his uncle died in 1729 and Francis Louis of Palatinate-Neuburg, Archbishop of Trier succeeded him vacating his own see, Francis George was unanimously elected the new Archbishop of Trier. Owing to the protection