author
Charles de Foucauld
1858–1916
A restless young aristocrat, soldier, and explorer who found a very different path in the Sahara, he became known for a life of prayer, simplicity, and closeness to the Tuareg people. His dramatic spiritual journey later inspired several religious communities and led to his canonization in 2022.
3 Audiobooks
Reconnaissance au Maroc, 1883-1884 (Texte)
by Charles de Foucauld
Reconnaissance au Maroc, 1883-1884 (Atlas)
by Charles de Foucauld
Écrits spirituels de Charles de Foucauld : ermite au Sahara, apôtre des Touregs
by Charles de Foucauld
About the author
Born in Strasbourg, France, on September 15, 1858, Charles de Foucauld lost his parents as a child and was raised by his grandfather. In early adulthood he served in the French army and later traveled in Morocco, where his work as an explorer and geographer brought him notice.
After a return to Catholic faith in his late twenties, he chose an increasingly hidden and prayerful life. He entered the Trappists for a time, was later ordained a priest, and eventually settled in the Sahara, living first at Beni Abbès and then near Tamanrasset in present-day Algeria.
He is remembered for wanting to imitate the quiet life of Jesus of Nazareth through poverty, adoration, hospitality, and friendship. Living among the Tuareg, he studied their language and culture and left writings that continued to influence others long after his death on December 1, 1916; the Catholic Church canonized him in 2022.