‹ The Bishops
Medieval · Saint
St Albert the Great
Bishop of Regensburg
Doctor of the ChurchConfessor
1206 – 1280
c. 1240
Ordained
1260
Consecrated Bishop
Regensburg
Diocese
Germany
Country
The Life
Born around 1206 in Swabia, Albert joined the Dominican Order and became one of the most learned men of the Middle Ages, earning the title 'Doctor Universalis' for his mastery of theology, philosophy, and the natural sciences. He pioneered the integration of Aristotle into Christian theology.
Appointed Bishop of Regensburg in 1260, he reformed the troubled diocese before resigning in 1263 to return to teaching. He was canonized and declared a Doctor of the Church by Pius XI in 1931, and named patron of natural scientists in 1941.
Notable Actions
- Taught and mentored St Thomas Aquinas at Paris and Cologne
- Wrote prolifically across theology, philosophy, and the natural sciences, 'Christianizing' Aristotle
- Served as Bishop of Regensburg (1260-1263), reforming the diocese before resigning
- Canonized and declared a Doctor of the Church by Pius XI in 1931; patron of natural scientists (1941)
Portrait: Vicente Salvador Gómez / Wikimedia Commons