Catholic Church Times

Patron Saint of Kings

Category: Other

In Catholic tradition, patron saints are holy men and women whose lives and intercession are considered especially suited to particular needs, groups, or situations. The Church's practice of invoking saints reflects the doctrine of the Communion of Saints — the belief that the faithful departed remain united with the living in the one Body of Christ and can intercede before God on our behalf.

The designation of a patron saint for "Kings" reflects centuries of Catholic popular devotion and, in many cases, formal proclamations by popes or bishops recognizing a saint's particular connection to this intention through the circumstances of their life, death, or documented miracles.

Patron Saint of Kings

Formally proclaimed patronage — sourced from canonized saints in the Roman Calendar.

Primary Patron
Saint Stephen of Hungary
Feast Day
August 16

Saint Stephen of Hungary is invoked as patron of kings. Saint Stephen, originally named Vajk, was born at Esztergom about 975, son of Geza, Grand Prince of the Hungarians, and his Christian wife Sarolt. Around 985 the family was baptized and the boy received the name Istvan (Stephen) after the Protomartyr. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/homilies/1991/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_19910816_budapest.html.

Read full biography of Saint Stephen of Hungary →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of kings?

Saint Stephen of Hungary is the primary patron saint of kings. Their feast day is August 16.

What is a patron saint?

A patron saint is a holy man or woman canonized by the Church whose life and heavenly intercession are considered especially powerful for particular needs, groups, or situations. Catholics ask patron saints to intercede — to pray to God on their behalf — drawing on the doctrine of the Communion of Saints.

How do I ask for Stephen of Hungary's intercession?

To ask for a patron saint's intercession, Catholics typically pray directly to the saint, saying something like: "Stephen of Hungary, pray for us." You may also light a candle, attend Mass on their feast day, or make a novena — nine days of consecutive prayer — asking for their help before a particular need.