GONTRANNO, Frankish king, saint. - B. about 525, d. 28 March 592. Son of Clotario I, at his father’s death (end of 561), in the partition of the Frankish Kingdom he received Burgundy, Orléans, Arles, and Marseille, territories which he later enlarged through conquests and negotiations. In the frequent struggles among the Frankish lords, now siding with one, now with another, he succeeded in securing influence and protection over his brothers’ territories as they gradually died, and likewise assumed the guardianship of his nephew Clotario II, son of Childerico and Fredegonda.
He fought the Goths, often unsuccessfully (586 and 589), but tenaciously, as enemies of the Christian religion (because they were Arians). Having remained without children, by the pact of Andelot of 23 Nov. 587 between himself and Childeberto, G. appointed the latter his heir.
St Gregory of Tours, his contemporary and friend, praises him greatly for his charity, for the founding of monasteries and churches, for his zeal in promoting ecclesiastical discipline, especially through councils, and for the respect he showed to ecclesiastical authority. He was not, however, free from serious stains (illicit relations, bloodshed), but for the age in which he lived G. was certainly an exception. He was buried in the church of the monastery of S. Marcello at Chalon-sur-Saône, which he had built. Feast day: 28 March.