Saint Ferdinand III of Castile

Life story

Ferdinand was born between 1199 and 1201 (recent researchers favour the summer of 1201) at the monastery of Valparaíso in the kingdom of León. His father was Alfonso IX of León and his mother Berengaria of Castile. On 31 August 1217 he became king of Castile after the death of his uncle Henry I, and his mother quickly made him co-ruler.

In 1230 he inherited the kingdom of León under the Treaty of Benavente, signed on 11 December 1230, which united León with Castile. The royal army took the central city (medina) of Córdoba in 1236, after parts of the city had already fallen to independent raiding bands. On 22 December 1248 he entered Seville as its conqueror.

He died in Seville on 30 May 1252 and was buried in the city's cathedral. Pope Clement X canonised him on 4 February 1671. His feast is 30 May. Early accounts of his reign were largely written to praise him, so historical record and devotional tradition need to be kept apart.

Works and witness

• King of Castile from 31 August 1217
• United León and Castile through the Treaty of Benavente (11 Dec 1230)
• Royal army took the medina of Córdoba in 1236
• Entered Seville on 22 December 1248
• Canonised by Pope Clement X in 1671

Saints from the same country

Saint Dominic, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Saint Teresa of Ávila, Saint Francis Xavier

References

• Britannica, "Ferdinand III"
• Catholic Online, "St. Ferdinand III of Castile"

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.