Saint Louis IX

King Louis IX was the only French king ever to be made a saint. Son of King Louis VIII and Blanche of Castile. King of France at age eleven; his mother ruled as regent until he reached age 22, and he reigned for 44 years. He made numerous judicial and legislative reforms. Promoted Christianity in France; established religious foundations, aided mendicant orders, propagated synodal decrees of the Church, built leper hospitals and collected relics. Married Marguerite of Provence at age 19, and father of eleven. Supported Pope Innocent IV in war against Emperor Frederic II of Germany, Franciscan tertiary. Led two Crusades and died in one.