Heribert of Cologne

Who they were

Heribert, son of Duke Hugo of Worms, was ordained in 994 and became chancellor and chief adviser to Emperor Otto III. Elected Archbishop of Cologne in 999, he received the pallium from Pope Sylvester II.

He was present at Otto's deathbed in 1002, later served Henry II as mediator, and founded the Benedictine abbey of Deutz, where he is buried. He died at Cologne on 16 March 1021, already honoured as a saint in his lifetime.

The miracles

He was canonised by Pope Gregory VII between 1073 and 1075; the Catholic Encyclopedia does not describe the cause.

Why that counted as sanctity

An imperial chancellor who became a holy archbishop.

Connected on this site

• Adelaide, Abbess of Vilich Saint
  “Famed for holiness and miracles, at the wish of St Heribert of Cologne and the command of Emperor Otto III she also became abbess of St Mary's in Cologne.” — this site's research
• Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor Saint
  “He became an advisor and ally to Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor; their relationship began poorly, but strengthened over time.” — Wikipedia