Wilhelm V, Duke of Bavaria

William V was born in Landshut, the son of Albert V and Archduchess Anna of Austria.

He received a Jesuit education and showed keen attachment to the Jesuit Counter Reformation tenets. His title 'the Pious' was given to him because he devoted his daily routine to Masses (when possible, several times a day), prayer, contemplation, and devotional reading. He took part in public devotions, processions, and pilgrimages.

William V's residence as crown prince was the ancient fortified Wittelsbach seat Trausnitz Castle, which he renovated extensively between 1568 and 1578. His projects, including the construction of an arcaded inner court, changed the Gothic castle into a Renaissance palace complex.

Married Renata of Lorraine (1544–1602) in Munich on 22 February 1568. They had:

Christoph (born and died 23 January 1570).

Christine (23 September 1571 – 27 April 1580), died in childhood.

Maximilian I (1573–1651), future Duke and Elector of Bavaria

Maria Anna of Bavaria (Maria Anna v. Bayern), 1574–1616, married Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor in 1600

Philipp Wilhelm (22 September 1576 – 18 May 1598), Bishop of Regensburg from 1595, Cardinal from 1597

Ferdinand (6 October 1577 – 13 September 1650), Archbishop and prince-elector of Cologne (1612–1650)

Eleonore Magdalene (7 October 1578 – 18 April 1579), died in infancy.

Karl (30 May 1580 – 27 October 1587), died in childhood.

Albert VI (1584–1666), in 1612 married Mechthilde v. Leuchtenberg (1588–1634)

Magdalene of Bavaria (4 July 1587 – 25 September 1628), married in 1613, Wolfgang Wilhelm, Pfalzgraf von Neuburg (1578–1663)