Saint Joan of Arc (c. 1412–1431), known as the Maid of Orléans, is one of the most remarkable figures in medieval history. Born to a peasant family in Domrémy, France, she claimed to have received visions from Saint Michael, Saint Catherine of Alexandria, and Saint Margaret from the age of 13, directing her to support the Dauphin Charles VII of France and recover France from English domination.
She persuaded the Dauphin to allow her to accompany the royal army to Orléans, which was under siege. Her presence reinvigorated French troops, and Orléans was relieved in 1429 — a turning point in the Hundred Years' War. She was present at the coronation of Charles VII at Reims.
Captured by the Burgundians and sold to the English, she was tried for heresy and burned at the stake in Rouen on May 30, 1431. She was only about 19 years old. Twenty-five years later, an inquisitorial court authorized by Pope Callixtus III examined the trial, found her innocent, and declared her a martyr. She was canonized by Pope Benedict XV in 1920.
