Joan of Arc was born around January 6, 1412, in Domrémy, a small village in northeastern France.¹⁾

Joan was born to a peasant family, with her father Jacques d'Arc and mother Isabelle Romée.²⁾

Joan did not receive a formal education and could neither read nor write.³⁾

From a young age, Joan was known for her piety and strong religious beliefs.⁴⁾

At around 13, Joan began experiencing visions and hearing voices, which she believed were from saints like Michael, Catherine, and Margaret.⁵⁾

Joan claimed these voices instructed her to support Charles VII and help expel the English from France.⁶⁾

In 1429, at age 17, Joan traveled to the court of Charles VII, the Dauphin (heir to the French throne), to offer her support.⁷⁾

To safely travel through hostile territory, Joan disguised herself as a male soldier.⁸⁾

Despite initial skepticism, Joan convinced Charles VII of her divine mission and gained his support.⁹⁾

Joan was given armor and a sword, and she adopted a white banner adorned with the names “Jesus” and “Mary.”¹⁰⁾

Joan's first major military engagement was the Siege of Orléans in 1429, where her presence boosted the morale of French troops.¹¹⁾

Under Joan’s leadership, the French achieved a decisive victory, lifting the siege and turning the tide of the Hundred Years' War.¹²⁾

Joan became known as “The Maid of Orléans” after this victory.¹³⁾

Joan played a crucial role in escorting Charles VII to Reims, where he was crowned king of France on July 17, 1429.¹⁴⁾

Joan’s charisma and faith inspired both soldiers and common people, rallying them to her cause.¹⁵⁾

Although not formally trained, Joan had a natural talent for military strategy and tactics.¹⁶⁾

Joan was wounded several times in battle, showing great courage and resilience.¹⁷⁾

Joan was captured by the Burgundians, allies of the English, on May 23, 1430, during the defense of Compiègne.¹⁸⁾

She was imprisoned in various locations before being handed over to the English.¹⁹⁾

Joan was put on trial for heresy, witchcraft, and cross-dressing by a pro-English church court in Rouen.²⁰⁾

Bishop Pierre Cauchon, a supporter of the English, presided over her trial.²¹⁾

Joan steadfastly refused to deny her visions and her divine mission, despite intense interrogation and threats.²²⁾

She was found guilty and sentenced to death on May 30, 1431.²³⁾

Joan was burned at the stake in Rouen at the age of 19.²⁴⁾

Her last words were reportedly “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.”²⁵⁾

Her ashes were thrown into the Seine River to prevent the collection of relics.²⁶⁾

In 1456, a retrial ordered by Pope Callixtus III declared her innocent and a martyr.²⁷⁾

Joan was beatified by the Roman Catholic Church in 1909 by Pope Pius X.²⁸⁾

She was canonized as a saint on May 16, 1920, by Pope Benedict XV.²⁹⁾

Joan of Arc is the patron saint of France and soldiers.³⁰⁾