ACtually from the reigning Houses in South Germany only Bavaria and Hohenzolern where catholic. Baden was protestant and in Württemberg was also protestant. It is only because all the protestant lines became extinct in the male line that today the only surviving line is catholic.
Interesting: I noticed that the author left out mention of Bavaria, as a Catholic royal house eligible for intermarriage with the others -- fulfilling both religious and dynastic requirements. Indeed, Michael mentioned "southern Europe"; but then, isn't Bavaria in southern Germany, not far from Austria?
Of course, it's a well-known fact that the Catholic kings of Bavaria married Protestant princesses (with the usual papal dispensations sought and granted), for three straight generations. It wasn't until the younger sons of King Ludwig I that one saw the Catholic princes marry Catholic princesses.
Luitpold, who would eventually serve as prince regent of the kingdom, established the Austrian branch of the House of Wittelsbach: he and his first two sons all married Habsburg archduchesses (albeit from different branches). Adalbert established the Spanish branch: he, his eldest son, and his eldest son's eldest son all married princesses of Spain (by then ruled by the House of Bourbon).
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