The young Franciscan bishop of Toulouse, born into French royalty, who renounced a throne for religious life and died in 1297 at just twenty-three.

Saint Louis d’Anjou, also known as Louis of Toulouse, was bishop of Toulouse, France, from 1296 until his death on August 19, 1297, at Brignoles, France, at only twenty-three years old. A member of the royal House of Anjou who renounced his claim to the throne of Naples in favor of his brother, he joined the Franciscan order shortly before his brief but notable episcopate. He was canonized in 1317.

Quick Facts

• Born: 1274, Brignoles, France
• Died: August 19, 1297, Brignoles, France
• Canonized: 1317
• Feast Day: August 19
• See: Bishop of Toulouse, France (1296-1297)
• Order: Franciscans

Who Was Saint Louis d’Anjou?

Born into the royal House of Anjou with a claim to the Kingdom of Naples, Louis chose instead to renounce worldly power, entering the Franciscan order and accepting episcopal consecration as bishop of Toulouse in 1296. His episcopate lasted less than a year before his early death at Brignoles in 1297, at just twenty-three years of age.

Historical Setting

The late thirteenth century saw the Franciscan movement, still within living memory of its founder Saint Francis of Assisi, exercising significant spiritual influence even among Europe’s ruling families, drawing some members of royal houses away from political ambition toward radical Gospel poverty. Louis’s renunciation of the Neapolitan throne for his brother’s sake, followed by his embrace of Franciscan simplicity even as a bishop, exemplifies this current.

Why the Church Remembers Saint Louis d’Anjou

The Church remembers Louis d’Anjou for demonstrating, in his brief life, that genuine detachment from worldly power was possible even for someone born into the highest levels of medieval nobility. His short episcopate, marked by Franciscan simplicity rather than princely display, left a deep impression that led to his rapid canonization within twenty years of his death.

Canonization and Feast Day

Louis d’Anjou was canonized by Pope John XXII in 1317, remarkably soon after his death, reflecting the immediate and widespread veneration his short life had already inspired. His feast is kept on August 19, the anniversary of his death.

What Catholics Can Learn Today

Louis’s renunciation of a throne for the sake of his brother and for a life of Gospel simplicity challenges anyone tempted to equate worldly advancement with a meaningful life. His example, especially striking given his youth, invites young people in particular to consider what they might be willing to give up for the sake of Christ.

A Prayer to Saint Louis d’Anjou

Saint Louis d’Anjou, who set aside a crown for the sake of the Gospel, help young people today to recognize what truly matters and to choose Christ over worldly ambition. Amen.

Sources

• New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia
• Butler’s Lives of the Saints