Benedict, Duke of Finland

Bengt Birgersson (1254 – 25 May 1291) was the youngest son of Birger Jarl. He embarked on an ecclesiastical career, becoming the Archdeacon of Linköping in 1273, the Canon of Uppsala in 1275, and the Bishop of Linköping in 1286. When open war broke out between his brothers, King Valdemar and Duke Magnus, Bengt sided with Magnus. After Magnus became King of Sweden in 1275, Bengt served as his chancellor. In 1284, he was granted the title of Duke of Finland.

Biography Bengt Birgersson was a member of the House of Bjälbo (Folkungaätten). He was the youngest son of Birger Magnusson, better known as Birger Jarl, de facto ruler of Sweden from 1250 to 1266. His mother was Princess Ingeborg of Sweden, daughter of King Erik Knutsson of Sweden and sister of King Erik Eriksson.

Bengt was designated for an ecclesiastical career from an early age. He received his education at Linköping Cathedral, where he became an archdeacon already in 1269

In 1286 Bengt was elected Bishop of Linköping. As bishop, Bengt focused on the administration and development of his diocese. He oversaw the continued construction of the Linköping Cathedral, secured renewed royal and papal support for its funding, and maintained relations with several monasteries, including Skänninge, Nydala, and the Franciscan friary in Linköping. He consecrated the church of Vreta Abbey in 1289. His wills from 1287 and 1289 record donations to cathedrals, monasteries, and hospitals across the realm, including Åbo (Turku) Cathedral in Finland, and provisions for new canonries and other ecclesiastical purposes.

When King Magnus died in 1290, Bengt assumed a role in the regency of the underage King Birger. However, he died from the plague just a half year later. He is buried in Linköping Catheral.