Cunibert of Cologne

Saint Cunibert of Cologne was the ninth bishop (archbishop) of Cologne in Germany, from 623 until his death on 12 November, around 663. The calendar honours him as a tireless builder of churches and monasteries.

He was born along the Moselle, in a family of Frankish nobles, and was educated at Metz at the court of Chlothar II. He was archdeacon of Trier, then bishop of Cologne, and attended the synod of Clichy in 626 or 627. As bishop he was an adviser to King Dagobert I and tutor of his son Sigebert III. When Sigebert was invested as king of Austrasia, in 633 or 634, Dagobert made Cunibert and Adalgisel, the mayor of the palace, regents of the kingdom. After the death of Adalgisel's successor, Pepin of Landen, Cunibert was the chief public official of the king and revised the Ripuarian law. In his time monastic life flourished and churches were founded and restored. He is buried in the church of Cologne that bears his name.

He is a saint of the undivided Church and is commemorated on 12 November (New Calendar).