Saint Bernard of Clairvaux

Bernard of Clairvaux, Saint (1090?–1153), French theologian and mystic who was the abbot of a Cistercian monastery and inspired the Second Crusade. Founder of the Clairvaux Abbey in 1115, he was adviser to popes, kings, and bishops and was instrumental in Abelard's condemnation (1140). He was canonized in 1174.

See also: Crusades.