St. Louis IX of France (1214-1270) was a holy king and soldier in the thirteenth century. His time as king was one of prosperity for France, with France having both the largest army and the most wealth. He held high Christian standards in all of his dealings as king and was often asked to help arbitrate disputes across Europe. He was a great supporter of the arts and also built many hospitals and homes for the sick and poor. He led two failed crusades: he was captured and held for ransom during the Seventh Crusade and died of dysentery during the Eighth Crusade. He was canonized in 1297 by Pope Boniface VIII. His feast day is August 25.