Léo Moulin (1906–1996)

Born into a working-class family on 25 February 1906, Léo Moulin quickly devoted his life to political analysis and writing. He held doctorates from the Universities of Bologna and Brussels and a degree in political science. He lectured in sociology at the Europa College
in Bruges and the Facultés Notre-Dame de la Paix in Namur, before becoming senior lecturer at Louvain University. He was also the guest
of a great many other universities all over the world. Moulin roundedoff his professional career at the head of the economic research unit
at a major financial institution. Having retired, he devoted himself to his precious studies and writing. Moulin's work on mediaeval
monastic orders made him a world authority. An agnostic with a passion for religion, he was best known for his exploration of the Rule of St.-Benedict, whom he particularly admired.
His research into the subject opened up new horizons on a great many historical and cultural themes, as diverse as the origins of European parliamentary democracy and Western food culture.