Blessed Charles I of Austria (1887–1922) was the last Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary, known for his deep Catholic faith, commitment to peace, and efforts to govern with Christian principles during World War I. Raised in a devout royal family, Charles became heir to the throne in 1914 after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. When he ascended as emperor in 1916, he sought to end the war through diplomatic negotiations, advocating for peace while also implementing social and military reforms. Despite his efforts, the war continued, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed in 1918.

Forced into exile after renouncing participation in government, Charles and his family fled to Switzerland. Refusing to formally abdicate, he twice attempted to reclaim the Hungarian throne but was ultimately exiled to Madeira, Portugal, where he and his family lived in poverty. Throughout his hardships, Charles remained devoted to his Catholic faith, offering his suffering for the well-being of his former subjects. In 1922, he contracted pneumonia and died at the age of 34, after praying, “Jesus, as You will it, I offer my life for my peoples.”

Recognized for his holiness and dedication to peace, Charles was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2004.