Religious Figures · Medieval
Joan of Arc’s Last Words
“Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!”— Joan of Arc, May 30, 1431
Who Was Joan of Arc?
Joan of Arc was a French peasant girl who, claiming divine visions, led the French army to key victories during the Hundred Years War before being captured and burned as a heretic.
The Final Moments
Joan was burned alive in the marketplace of Rouen before a large crowd. She called on Jesus as the flames rose. She was only 19 years old.
Are These Words Verified?
Multiple witnesses at the Rouen marketplace documented Joan repeatedly calling on Jesus as she burned. Contemporary trial records and the later rehabilitation trial collected extensive eyewitness testimony.
Sources
- archive Trial records and eyewitness testimony
- firsthand Jean Massieu (priest present) account
- archive Rehabilitation trial documents (1456)
Legacy
Joan was canonized in 1920. She is one of France's greatest national heroines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Joan of Arc’s last words?
“Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!”
How did Joan of Arc die?
Joan of Arc died on May 30, 1431 at the age of 19. Cause of death: Burned at the stake.
Were Joan of Arc’s last words documented?
Multiple witnesses at the Rouen marketplace documented Joan repeatedly calling on Jesus as she burned. Contemporary trial records and the later rehabilitation trial collected extensive eyewitness testimony.
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