St. Leopold of Austria

Leopold governed Austria as a margrave, a ruler whose responsibilities included the frontier. Butler describes his concern for justice, the relief of burdens on his people, and the assistance of the poor. His authority was not presented as an exemption from Christian duty: the same Gospel that directed private persons was to govern his public decisions.

His marriage to Agnes joined him to the imperial family. They shared prayer, the reading of Scripture and support for religious communities. Their foundations included the house of canons at Klosterneuburg, where continuing worship could be offered while their own obligations required them elsewhere. Butler also records Leopold’s part in the conflict between Henry IV and Henry V, including the report that he afterwards did penance for his involvement.

Leopold was considered for the imperial dignity after Henry V’s death, but did not receive it. He supported the successful ruler, Lothair, rather than making disappointment a cause for hostility. Butler ends with his final illness, reception of the sacraments and death on November 15, 1136. The life joins the care of a household, religious benefaction and the difficult demands of government.