Louis IX of France, also known as Saint Louis, was the King of France from 1226 until his death in 1270. He is recognized for his piety, justice, and leadership in the Crusades.
Born on April 25, 1214, in Poissy, Louis was the son of Louis VIII of France and Blanche of Castile. He succeeded to the throne at the age of 12 upon his father's death, with his mother acting as regent until he came of age. His reign was marked by internal stability and external expansion, facilitated by the efforts of his capable mother.
Louis IX was known for his efforts to reform the judicial system. He established the Parlement de Paris, which later became the supreme court of appeals for the French nobility, ensuring that justice was administered fairly. He also introduced the use of the Ordonnances, which were royal edicts intended to standardize law across the kingdom.
Louis IX was canonized by Pope Boniface VIII in 1297, only 27 years after his death, making him one of the few French monarchs to be recognized as a saint. His reputation for justice, charity, and piety has made him a model of Christian kingship. He is often depicted holding a crown of thorns, a symbol of his devotion to the Passion of Christ.
Louis died of dysentery on August 25, 1270, near Tunis during the Eighth Crusade. His body was initially buried in Sicily, but his heart was sent back to France, where it was interred in the Couvent des Cordeliers in Paris.