About Gerard I of Toul
Lived 935 – 994 (aged 58–59). Gerard I of Toul was a French catholic priest, catholic bishop and bishop.
Gerard (; German Gerhard; c. 935 – 23 April 994) was a German prelate who served as the Bishop of Toul from 963 until his death. His entrance into the priesthood came about due to his mother being struck dead in a lightning strike which he believed was divine judgment for his sins and a call to service. But he had been known for his piousness and he accepted the position to the Toul diocese despite his reluctance. His concern as a bishop was to the restoration of all properties the Church managed and to ensure secular involvement in Church affairs ceased.
His reputation for holiness was evident in his life and miracles at his tomb were recorded after his death; Pope Leo IX – a successor in Toul – later canonized him on 21 October 1050 in Rome. He is said to have come up with the use of goutweed (once known as "herb Gerald") which was used in the Middle Ages to treat gout. Gerard also fought against secular intervention in ecclesial matters and also invited monks from Ireland to come to his schools to teach. He also studied Sacred Scripture and the lives and teachings of the saints.
He died during the night on 23 April 994 and was interred in the diocesan cathedral in the choir loft.
Sainthood His canonization was celebrated under Pope Leo IX in Rome on 21 October 1050 – that pontiff served as a successor in Toul and venerated the late bishop. Gerard's remains were exhumed in Leo IX's presence in Toul on the night of 20 October 1051 and he was found with his white hair to still be in good preservation.
Notes and references
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Important facts
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Gerard I of Toul's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Gerard I of Toul?
bishop of Toul
When was Gerard I of Toul born?
Gerard I of Toul was born in 935 in Cologne.
When did Gerard I of Toul die?
Gerard I of Toul died on 23 April 994 in Toul.
What was Gerard I of Toul's occupation?
Gerard I of Toul was a catholic priest, catholic bishop and bishop.
What nationality was Gerard I of Toul?
Gerard I of Toul was French.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Gerard I of Toul. https://biography.guide/gerard-i-of-toul/
MLA: "Gerard I of Toul." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/gerard-i-of-toul/.
Chicago: "Gerard I of Toul." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/gerard-i-of-toul/.
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