Saint Benedict the Moor, O.F.M., (†1589), also known as Saint Benedict of San Fratello, was an Italian Franciscan friar in Sicily who is venerated as a saint in the Catholic and Lutheran churches. Born of African slaves in San Fratello, he was freed at birth and became known for his charity. As a young man he joined a Franciscan-affiliated hermit group, of which he became the leader. He is remembered for his patience and understanding when confronted with racial prejudice and taunts. He was declared a patron saint of African Americans and he is venerated throughout Latin America, from Mexico through Argentina. In Venezuela, particularly, his devotion is spread through the country's various states, and he is celebrated on many different dates, according to the local traditions. In the United States, at least seven historically-black Roman Catholic parishes bear his name. He was beatified by Pope Benedict XIV in 1743 and canonized in 1807 by Pope Pius VII.