B. Benedict XI, Pope

Benedict XI was the Pope of the Catholic Church from 1303 to 1304. He was born as Niccolò Boccasini in 1240 in Treviso, Italy, and was a member of the Dominican Order. As Pope, he sought to restore peace and unity within the Church after a period of conflict. He is venerated for his piety, humility, and efforts to heal divisions. Benedict XI is the patron saint of Treviso and is sometimes invoked for protection against lightning and sudden death.