The ninth King of France of that name. Although he died of disease in 1270 on foreign soil while leading an unsuccessful crusade, his reputation was made secure by a life of spiritual fervor. A patriot, a peace-maker, a political administrator who demanded and obtained integrity and honesty from his subordinates, and a prisoner of war concerned about other prisoners of war (whom he personally ransomed when he could), St. Louis was a pious and devoted Christian, son, husband, and father.