Joan of Arc, born on 06 January 1412, in the village of Domrémy in northeastern France, grew up during the turbulent period of the Hundred Years' War between France and England. At the age of 13, she began experiencing visions of saints—Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret—who she believed were urging her to support Charles VII and help liberate France from English domination.
In 1429, at the age of 17, Joan persuaded Charles VII to allow her to lead a French army to the besieged city of Orléans. She dressed in male armor and inspired the troops with her confidence and piety. Her leadership and the resulting French victory at the Siege of Orléans marked a turning point in the war and boosted French morale.
Following this success, Joan played a key role in the subsequent military campaigns, leading to Charles VII's coronation at Reims on 17 July 1429, which further solidified his claim to the French throne.
However, her fortunes changed in 1430 when she was captured by the Burgundians, allies of the English, at the Siege of Compiègne. She was handed over to the English and put on trial for charges that included heresy, witchcraft, and cross-dressing (wearing male military attire). The trial was politically motivated, and despite her spirited defense, Joan was convicted and sentenced to death.
On May 30, 1431, Joan of Arc was executed by burning at the stake in Rouen, France, at the age of 19. Her death was intended to undermine her legacy and discredit Charles VII. However, she became a martyr and symbol of French unity and resistance.
In 1456, a posthumous retrial authorized by Pope Callixtus III declared her innocent and annulled the original trial's verdict. Joan of Arc was canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church on 16 May 1920, by Pope Benedict XV. She remains a powerful symbol of faith, courage, and the struggle for justice. Her story has inspired countless works of literature, art, and film, and she is celebrated annually on her feast day, 30 May
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