Saint Canute IV of Denmark

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Saint Canute IV of Denmark
Feast Day	July 10 (Denmark); January 19 (universal)
Liturgical Class
Patronage	Denmark; Zealand
Birthplace	Denmark
Death Place	Odense, Island of Funen, Denmark
Cause of Death	martyrdom
Primary Shrine	St. Canute's Cathedral, Odense, Denmark

Saint Canute IV of Denmark (Danish: Knud den Hellige; c. 1042 – 10 July 1086), also known as Canute the Holy or Saint Knud, was King of Denmark from 1080 until his martyrdom in 1086 and the first Danish royal saint. According to the near-contemporary Passio Sancti Kanuti Regis and Roskilde Chronicle, Canute, illegitimate son of Sweyn II Estridsson, succeeded his brother Harald III and pursued vigorous Christianization policies, including tithing enforcement, church building, and support for Gregorian reform against simony and clerical marriage. His heavy taxation to fund a fleet against England and harsh justice alienated nobles, leading to rebellion in 1086. Seeking sanctuary in St. Alban’s Church (wooden predecessor of Odense Cathedral), he was murdered with his brother Benedict and 17 companions by rebels led by his half-brother Olaf.

Canonized in 1101 by Pope Paschal II after miracles at his tomb—including incorruption and a healing spring—Canute is the only Danish king formally canonized. His feast is 10 July locally and 19 January universally. Patron of Denmark and Zealand, he is venerated at Odense Cathedral, where his relics rest beneath the crypt altar.

Biography

Birth

Saint Canute IV was born c. 1042, illegitimate son of King Sweyn II Estridsson of Denmark and an unknown concubine.

Early Life

Raised at the royal court, Canute participated in his father’s Baltic campaigns and was noted for piety from youth.

Occupation

King of Denmark 1080–1086, pursuing church reform and justice.

Vocation

Canute’s royal vocation combined Christian kingship with martyrdom; he promoted clerical celibacy and tithing, founding churches and supporting missionaries.

Death

On 10 July 1086, rebels stormed St. Alban’s Church in Odense where Canute prayed; he was struck down before the altar.

Saint Canute IV met his end through martyrdom.

Significant events

• Crowned king of Denmark, 1080.
• Issued laws enforcing tithing and clerical reform.
• Planned invasion of England, 1085.
• Martyred in St. Alban’s Church, Odense, 10 July 1086.
• Canonized, 1101.

Significant locations

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Legend

• Birth location: None
• Death location: Odense, Island of Funen, Denmark
• Notable location: Site of martyrdom and burial (St. Canute's Cathedral (Odense Cathedral), Klosterbakken 2, 5000 Odense, Denmark)
• Notable location:
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Parishes

Saint Canute IV of Denmark
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Shrines

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Canonization

Canonized 1101 by Pope Paschal II after translation of relics and authenticated miracles.

Miracles

• Incorrupt body and healing spring at tomb.
• Numerous cures at 1101 translation.

Patronage

Saint Canute IV is patron of Denmark and Zealand.

Feast day

July 10 (Denmark); January 19 (universal)

Veneration

Saint Canute IV is venerated with processions in Odense Cathedral on 10 July. Relics in crypt.

External links

• New Advent: St. Canute IV
• Catholic Online: St. Canute IV
• Denmark.dk: St. Canute