St. Louis IX

Louis IX, also known as St. Louis, was born on April 25, 1214, in Poissy, France. He became King of France at the age of 12, following the death of his father, Louis VIII. His mother, Blanche of Castile, served as regent until he came of age in 1234. Louis IX is renowned for his leadership in the Seventh Crusade from 1248 to 1250 and again in the Eighth Crusade, during which he died on August 25, 1270, near Tunis. He was a just and pious ruler, known for his extensive administrative reforms, including the establishment of a royal justice system and the abolition of trials by ordeal. Louis IX also promoted the arts, commissioning significant architectural projects like the Sainte-Chapelle to house the Crown of Thorns. His reputation as a fair and devout monarch earned him great respect throughout Christendom. After his death, miracles attributed to his intercession led to his canonization by Pope Boniface VIII on August 11, 1297. As the patron saint of France, Louis IX's legacy extends beyond his military endeavors to his role in consolidating the French monarchy and fostering a culture of justice and piety. His feast day is celebrated on August 25, the date of both his death and his birth into eternal life.