“Dear son, if you come to the throne, strive to have that which befits a king, that is to say, that in justice and rectitude you hold yourself steadfast and loyal toward your subjects and your vassals, without turning either to the right or to the left, but always straight, whatever may happen. And if a poor man has a quarrel with a rich man, sustain the poor rather than the rich, until the truth is made clear, and when you know the truth, do justice to them.” (Louis IX to his son, Phillip III)
The primary duty of a leader is to guide those under his authority toward virtue, and all else should follow from this. If he fails in this, he has failed as a leader. There are few men that embodied this core of leadership better than King Louis IX of France. Louis’ devotion to the Christian faith and commitment to justice informed every aspect of his rule.
Louis, a member of the royal House of Capet, ruled France from 1226-1270. He represented medieval Christendom at its best. His reputation for just dealings caused him to be loved by both the poor and his nobles. G.K. Chesterton called him “the noblest knight of his age.” His commitment to chivalry and courtesy, and his skillful arbitration of disputes between the leaders of Christendom, earned him a reputation highly esteemed by nobles. His care and generosity for the poor – he would feed as many as a hundred beggars a day from his own royal table – and his pursuit of justice for every man earned him the love of the common man.
If we look at the leaders of our modern nations, we do not see this kind of leader. Our leaders’ lives now revolve around doing as they please in order to retain power, wealth and privilege. We, who are under their care, see this and therefore have poor examples to imitate. Nancy Pelosi’s insider trading, netting her millions of dollars, only encourages others to engage in avaricious practices. Letitia James’ vicious lawfare against crisis pregnancy centers in New York weakens American’s resolve to engage in an honest, just and fair manner with others. There is no regard for a good practice of liberty, which is freedom tempered by virtue, in our modern leaders. Instead, selfish license characterize both the modern leader.
St. Louis, as a leader of men and more properly as a Christian ruler, considered it a solemn duty to lead those placed under his authority to Christ. To this end, Louis had to practice virtuous rule of himself so that he could lead others to it as well. One cannot give that which he does not possess.
Virtuous rule of self is the fulfillment and proper exercise of the gift of free will given to us by God. Louis exercised this virtuous rule not just in respect to his own person but, through his acts of governance as king, to others as well. His commitment to justice became so well regarded that none questioned the prudence and integrity of his judgments.
For instance, in the initial years of his reign, after he defeated some of his rebellious vassals who arose during his mother’s regency, he personally paid recompense to those, rich and poor, whose property had been ruined in the course of warfare. And, moreover, when there were disputes between the crown and some other party, he operated under the assumption that the crown was in the wrong, until the facts were laid bare. Such was his humility, devotion to justice, and desire for peace.
If we do not advocate for strong, virtuous leaders and strive to be such ourselves, our societies will soon collapse. We must practice this rule of self both at home and in public, and hope that our example will encourage others to imitate it. Tempering ourselves encourages us to be more patient with others and to foster peace. King Louis can be an example for us to follow, especially in our times, when vice is so common and virtue so little valued.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled…Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God (Matthew 5:6,9)
