Benedict the Moor

Tags: Saint.

Benedict the Moor O.F.M. (Italian: Benedetto da San Fratello 1526 – April 4 1589) was an Italian Franciscan friar in Sicily who is venerated as a saint in the Catholic and Lutheran churches. Born of African slaves he was freed at birth and became known for his charity. As a young man he joined a Franciscan-affiliated hermit group of which he became the leader. In 1564 he was sent to the Franciscan friary in Palermo where he continued good works.

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beatified by

Pope Benedict XIV

birth date

1526-01-01T00:00:00+02:00

birth place

Sicily, Crown of Aragon, San Fratello, Province of Messina

canonized by

Pope Pius VII

death date

1589-04-04

death place

Sicily, Crown of Aragon, Palermo

major shrine

Palermo

title

Religious and confessor

venerated in

Sicily, Lutheranism, Franciscan, Catholic Church