London, March 11, 2025 – Chess, one of the world's oldest and most intellectually demanding games, now has an official Patron Saint, again. World Chess has discovered and now formally introduced St. Teresa of Avila as the Patron Saint of Chess, a move that acknowledges the game's deep historical and cultural significance—especially in Catholic countries where chess has been a cornerstone of intellectual and social life for centuries. A Saint for the ChessboardSt. Teresa of Avila, a 16th-century Spanish mystic, writer, and intellectual, is an apt choice for chess's first patron saint. The introduction of St. Teresa of Avila as chess's patron saint further strengthens the cultural connection between the game and Catholic heritage. For media inquiries, interviews, or access to official St. Teresa of Avila, Patron Saint of Chess materials, please contact: media@worldchess.comAbout World ChessWorld Chess is a global leader in chess innovation, tournaments, and cultural initiatives.