Saint Jadwiga, Queen of Poland

Saint Jadwiga was crowned King of Poland in 1384, reigning in her own right as monarch despite her youth. In 1386 she married Grand Duke Jogaila of Lithuania, who took the name Władysław II Jagiełło, an alliance that led to the Christianization of Lithuania. She was known for her piety, patronage of the Church, and support for education, notably refounding the Kraków Academy. She died in 1399 shortly after giving birth, and was venerated for centuries before being canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1997. She is honored as a model of Christian queenship and charity.