Crusades Biographies | Bernard of Clairvaux Biography

1090
Fontaines-les-Dijon, France

August 20, 1153
Clairvaux, France

Catholic religious leader and saint

"The earth has been shaken; it trembles because the Lord of heaven has begun to lose his land.... What are you doing, you servants of the cross? Will you throw to the dogs that which is most holy?"

—Bernard of Clairvaux, quoted in The Crusades.

Bernard of Clairvaux was one of the most powerful figures of the twelfth century. A Catholic priest and abbot (director) of a religious institution at Clairvaux, France, Bernard's influence stretched far beyond the borders of France. A powerful speaker and convincing writer, on one occasion he helped choose the pope, or leader of the Catholic Church, and had significant influence on another pope in religious and civil matters....