Louis IX, also known as Saint Louis, was the greatest king of France and the only French king to be canonized by the Catholic Church. He conducted two crusades and was known for his generosity, interest in art, architecture and literature. He founded the Sorbonne and was a devout Christian who helped the sick and poor. He is the only French king to be proclaimed a saint.
Louis IX, also known as Saint Louis, ruled France from 1226 until his death on August 25, 1270. Considered by many to be the greatest king of France, he is also the only French king to have been canonized by the Catholic Church Roman. Many places, including St. Louis, Missouri, are named after him, as are many other French kings.
St. Louis was born on April 25, 1214, to King Louis VIII and Blanche of Castile. Louis IX was only 12 when his father died, so when he became ruler, his mother served as regent, acting head of state. Louis IX married Margaret of the Province when he was 20 years old.
Saint Louis was raised to be a kind and generous person. He was also raised to be a devout Christian. Enjoying a privileged upbringing, Louis benefited from the best tutors and learned about hunting, history, geography and literature. When complete rule was handed over to Louis, he had a reputation as a fair and just king and a pious man who strove to protect the Roman Catholic Church.
Louis conducted two crusades. He set out on his first in August 1248, which is known as the Seventh Crusade. While he enjoyed several minor victories, the crusade ultimately resulted in the capture of him and his army. Saint Louis also led the Eighth Crusade. Again enjoying several small victories, he was finally defeated.
Between his two crusades, St. Louis was at home in France doing many generous acts, such as setting up hospitals and helping the sick and poor. Louis also funded literary endeavors and was known for his interest in art, architecture and literature. He also helped restore order to the kingdom, which had faltered slightly after his mother’s death.
Saint Louis is considered by many to be the best king in the entire line of French kings. He founded the Sorbonne, a popular theological college until the French Revolution. There is said to have been a large oak tree under which Louis sat during the summer months and listened to all the complaints of his subjects. He would listen to the rich and the poor, and they were allowed to come and tell their stories without any interruption. Saint Louis then did what he could to help people and right wrongs.
King Louis IX is the only French king to be proclaimed a saint. He was canonized in 1297. St. Louis was known for his devout Christian habits. His reputation was that he always made an effort to help the sick and poor, fasted, listened to sermons, attended two masses a day and surrounded himself with priests, even during his crusades. It is said that once, seriously ill, he grabbed a cross and recovered completely in a few days.
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