The Pope has arrived in D.C. for a couple of days, and he will have a very busy schedule. Even as his arrival causes all kinds of logistical havoc for people in D.C., such as messing with the prices of companies like Uber and Airbnb, with such a holy presence, it could be a good time for area startup founders to pray for that next seed round, or for an angel investor to descend from the heavens. And to include in your prayers, we put together a list of a few real tech-related saints, and a few suggestions in case the Pope wants to make any 21st century updates.
Patron Saint of the Internet and Technology
A real historical scholar, St. Isidore of Seville wrote an encyclopedia in the seventh century that was cited as authoritative for almost a thousand years. Because of work on the encyclopedia, a dictionary and other texts as well as building schools throughout Spain, he was cited by Pope John Paul II as the patron saint of computers, the Internet and technology in general.
Patron Saint of Science and Research
Another important scholar, St. Albert the Great lived in 13th century Germany as a bishop and teacher. He famously brought Greek and Arabic science into medieval Europe, with an emphasis on an early form of the scientific method when it came to the natural sciences. His association with those topics makes him a patron saint for scientists and researchers, not to mention medical technicians and students in general.
Patron Saint of Tinder
Our first suggestion, Raphael, an archangel best known in Catholicism from the Book of Tobit where he is a guide and healer. Among his many patronages, he oversees love, happy accidents and the practice of matchmaking. In more modern terms, all three of those make him the the perfect patron saint of online and mobile app dating. Really, it's probably just a matter of time before people download Raphael, maybe as some kind of Catholic Tinder.
Patron Saint of Uber
Patron saint of travelers, St. Christopher was killed in the third century as a martyr. He became famous for the legend that he would carry travelers across a dangerous stream, including a small, very heavy child who turned out to be Jesus carrying the weight of the world. Such dedication as a freelance travel helper makes Christopher the perfect patron saint for on-demand travel apps like Uber, Lyft and Sidecar. At the very least you'd hope Jesus gave him five stars.
Patron Saint of Airbnb
An early saint with more legends than history, St. Julian the Hospitaller supposedly killed his friend and his friend's wife, mistakenly thinking it was his own wife in bed with another man. Along a journey to pay penance, he built several hospitals and places for people to stay on journeys. His role as the patron saint of hoteliers, hospitality and related trades make him a great candidate for the patron saint of Airbnb and similar sharing economy startups. Being the patron saint of jugglers might not be as relevant, but it's good to know.
