Born in 972 to the Duke of Bavaria and the daughter of the King of Burgundy, the future emperor was educated piously and rigorously by St. Wolfgang, bishop of Ratisbon, and had planned to enter the priesthood as a Benedictine monk.

However, at the age of 23, on the death of his father, Henry became the Duke of Bavaria, and seven years later, on the death of Otto III, he was elected emperor.  He served in this capacity for 22 years, aided greatly by his wife, St. Cunegunde.

Henry II was an able politician who used his political skills to consolidate the place of the Church within the empire, and he was especially generous to the Benedictine Order, encouraging the reforms of Cluny and building many more monasteries.

In fact, near the end of his reign he wished to abdicate his throne and enter a monastery, but he was refused by the wise abbot, who told him that he had much to do in the world, and that he should dedicate his holy efforts to the advancement of the Church in the life of the empire.

He fought many battles to protect the empire from attacks from without, as well as rebellion within, notably the rebellion of Rome in 1014, which his army put down. He was crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Benedict VIII following his victory.

Henry established the See of Bamberg in which he built a Cathedral and towards which he was a doting benefactor.

He died in 1024, and was buried with his wife in the Cathedral of Bamberg, which has a strong devotion to him and the empress.

Pope Eugene III canonized him in 1146.

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