Heute vor 15 Jahren tötete Anders Behring Breivik in Norwegen 77 Menschen. Seit Jahren lebt der Norweger in einer abgeschirmten Sonderabteilung des Hochsicherheitsgefängnisses Ringerike nordwestlich von Oslo. Dort hat er Zugang zu einem kleinen Fitnessraum, einer eigenen Küche, einem Fernsehzimmer, einem Außenhof mit Basketballkorb und darf Haustiere halten, wie die Neue Zürcher Zeitung berichtet. nius.de/ausland/anders-behri…

Heinrich II, also known as Saint Henry II, was a pivotal figure in medieval European history, reigning as Holy Roman Emperor from 1014 until his death in 1024. Born on May 6, 973, in Bavaria, he was the son of Duke Henry II of Bavaria and Gisela of Burgundy. His life was marked by a deep commitment to both political leadership and Christian piety, earning him canonization as a saint in 1146 by Pope Eugene III. Heinrich ascended to the German throne in 1002 after the sudden death of his cousin, Emperor Otto III. His election as king was not without controversy, as rival factions supported other candidates. However, Heinrich’s determination and strategic alliances secured his position. In 1014, he was crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Benedict VIII in Rome, solidifying his role as a defender of Christendom and the Church. As emperor, Heinrich II focused on consolidating power within the Holy Roman Empire, which spanned modern-day Germany, parts of Italy, and other central European territories. He strengthened the empire by reforming the Church, promoting missionary work, and establishing dioceses, notably the Bishopric of Bamberg in 1007, which became a center of religious and cultural life. His reign saw military campaigns to secure the empire’s borders, including against the Poles and Italians, though not all were successful. His diplomatic efforts, however, helped maintain relative stability. Heinrich’s deep faith shaped his rule. Known for his ascetic lifestyle and devotion to Christian values, he worked closely with the Church to combat corruption and promote moral governance. He and his wife, Saint Cunigunde, were childless, which some sources attribute to a mutual vow of chastity. Their partnership was marked by mutual respect and shared commitment to religious causes. Heinrich died on July 13, 1024, in his palace at Grona, Germany. He was canonized for his exemplary piety and contributions to the Church. His feast day, celebrated on July 13, honors his legacy as a ruler who balanced temporal power with spiritual devotion. Saint Heinrich II remains a symbol of Christian leadership, remembered for his efforts to unify and strengthen the Holy Roman Empire while advancing the Church’s mission.

Die Fundamentalisten der Piusbruderschaft haben unerlaubt vier Männer zu Bischöfen geweiht, trotz eines dringenden Appells des Papstes, es nicht zu tun. Wie geht Leo XIV. damit um? spiegel.de/panorama/piusbrud…

Saint Kinigundis, also known as Cunigunde of Luxembourg or Kunigunde in German and Cunegundis in Latin, was a noblewoman born around 975 in what is now Luxembourg. She was the daughter of Siegfried I, Count of Luxembourg, and Hedwig of Nordgau. In 999 she married Henry, Duke of Bavaria, who later became King of Germany and then Holy Roman Emperor Henry II. Their marriage was childless, and according to tradition they lived in mutual chastity after she made a vow of virginity before the wedding, with his consent. Cunigunde was crowned Queen in 1002 at Paderborn and accompanied her husband to Rome, where both received the imperial crowns from Pope Benedict VIII in 1014, making her Holy Roman Empress. She played an active role in governance, advising her husband and participating in political decisions. During her time as empress she endured a serious illness and vowed to found a Benedictine monastery at Kaufungen if she recovered, which she did, though Henry died in 1024 before its completion. After Henry's death she briefly served as regent of the empire alongside her brother before handing over power to the newly elected Conrad II. Having given away much of her wealth to charity during her life, she entered the monastery she had founded at Kaufungen in 1025, taking the veil and living as a Benedictine nun. There she spent her remaining years in prayer, reading, manual labor, and caring for the sick. She died on March 3, 1040, at Kaufungen. Her body was eventually interred beside her husband's in Bamberg Cathedral. Cunigunde was canonized by Pope Innocent III on March 29, 1200, fifty-three years after her husband's canonization. She is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church, with her feast day on March 3. She is the patroness of Luxembourg and Lithuania, and churches dedicated to her exist in places such as Detroit and parts of Poland and Germany. Her life exemplifies piety, charity, and devotion to both her marital duties and religious calling.