July 07th - Benedict XI

Sometimes, for the simplest of reasons, the simplest of people are thrust into positions of leadership and controversy. I am not talking "Being There" kind of simple but people with simple desires and simple lives. Benedict was such a person who arrived in such a position, during a time of upheaval not just in the Church but in secular and political society as well. Though a scholarly Dominican and prolific writer he served in several leadership positions all the while devoted to Dominican spirituality.
A gentle man, he was constantly assailed by those opposed to him and was far too trusting of others. We today might not agree with what he did, but he asked that all be bound together by love in Christ - not by nationality - and that we keep that love in mind when we interact with one another, be we an individual or a state.
It was alleged that he was poisoned, most likely by someone who disagreed with this method.

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R.   Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;
with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.
Sing to him a new song;
pluck the strings skillfully, with shouts of  gladness.
R.    Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
The LORD brings to nought the plans of nations;
he foils the designs of peoples.
But the plan of the LORD stands forever;
the design of his heart, through all generations.
R.    Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
But see, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,
upon those who hope for his kindness,
To deliver them from death
and preserve them in spite of famine.
R.    Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

-- Psalm 33:2-3, 10-11, 18-19, 22