Patron saints of Europe

The Catholic Church venerates six patron saints of Europe. The main patron saint is Benedict of Nursia. Cyril and Methodius, Bridget of Sweden, Catherine of Siena and Teresa Benedicta of the Cross are co-patrons.

Saint Hedwig of Poland could be somewhat indirectly considered a patron saint of parts of Europe. In 1997, Polish-born Pope John Paul II canonised Poland's 14th-century queen regnant Jadwiga as Saint Hedwig, the patron saint of queens and of European unification. From the time of her death, Jadwiga was venerated in Poland as a saint, having been buried in the Wawel Cathedral. She has been considered a model of piety, constancy and faithfulness. Numerous stories and legends were told of her charity and devotion to God.