St. Louis IX

St. Louis IX was born April 25, 1214, in Poissy, France. The son of King Louis VIII, he became king of France at age 11. However, his mother ruled as regent until the young king turned 22. The saint was a great promoter of Christianity in France; he began religious foundations, helped mendicant orders, built hospitals for those with leprosy, and collected relics. The king and married father of 11 gave his support to Pope Innocent IV in a war against the emperor of Germany. A Franciscan tertiary, he led two crusades. He died during one of them in Tunis, Algeria, in 1270. St. Louis IX is patron saint of parents of large families and soldiers.