The bottom line

He inherited the family business when he was eleven. His mother ran things until he was old enough. When he finally came to be in charge, his record of success was mixed. He was fixated on grand foreign ventures, but both attempts ended in disaster.

Even so, he was widely respected and loved. That he was a man of prayer and deep spirituality, no one doubted. He built hospitals and homes for the poor. He would feed at least hundred hungry people everyday. He washed the feet of the dirtiest men, women, and children – even those with terrible diseases. He helped establish one of the most venerable institutions of higher learning in the world and built one of the most beautiful chapels of all time.

Louis, the ninth king of France by that name, died of disease on this very day in 1270 at the age of 55, in North Africa during his second crusade. Within 30 years, he was canonized: Saint Louis.