Abbots of Citeaux

The Abbots of Citeaux are the leaders of the Abbey of Cîteaux, the original monastery founded in 1098 that established the Cistercian Order. As abbots, they oversee the spiritual, administrative, and communal life of their monastic community, guiding monks in adhering to the Order’s principles of prayer, work, and simplicity. Cîteaux’s abbots played a significant role in shaping medieval monasticism, emphasizing reform, discipline, and adherence to the Rule of St. Benedict. Their leadership helped spread Cistercian practices across Europe, influencing religious, agricultural, and economic development within and beyond their monasteries.