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King Louis IX aka St. Louis
Peacemaker and Arbitor of Europe in the High Middle Ages
Born in April 1214- Died August 1270 House of Capet
Only Canonized King of France
Life Accomplishment Louis IX's greatest life accomplishment was his role model as a Christian King. The picture above is the Holy Crown of Jesus Christ. St. Louis bought this and other prized relics to France. He took seriously his mission as 'lieutenant of God on Earth.' He went on 2 unsuccessful Crusades, but they still added to his prestige as the secular leader of Christendom at the time.
Dear Son, Have a tender heart for the poor, and for all those whom you believe to be in misery of heart or body, and, according to your ability, comfort and aid them with some alms. - From a letter by St. Louis to his son, Philip III
Love all good, and hate all evil, in whomever it may be. - Letter to his son, Philip III
Biography Louis was born in 1214 at Poissy, near Paris, the son of King Louis VIII and Blanche of Castille. He was a member of the House of Capet, and took the throne at the age of 12. In his 30s and again in his mid-50s he went on two unsuccessful Crusades. His piety and kindness towards the poor was much celebrated. He died in Tunis, August 25, 1270. He was made a saint by Pope Boniface VIII in 1297, and is considered the model of the ideal Christian monarch.
Significance Louis IX is the only canonized King of France. His support of the Crusades, his rooting out of heretics, and his dedication to peace made him a model king. His reign was the so called 'golden century of Saint Louis.' He secured himself the role of the quintessential example of the Christian prince when he purchased many relics of the Passion of Jesus Christ.