Gautbert was a ninth-century Catholic bishop who served as the fourth Bishop of Osnabrück from 845 until his death in 860. A relative of Ebo, the Archbishop of Reims, he was consecrated as a missionary bishop with the name Simon to continue the work of Ansgar in southern Sweden. Although he established a presence in Birka and built a church there, a violent uprising in 845 forced him to leave the region, after which he focused his ministry on his role in Osnabrück.
Missionary work
Following his consecration by Ansgar and Ebo, Gautbert traveled to Sweden to spread the faith. He found support from King Björn in Birka, where he constructed a church to serve as a base for his missionary activities. Despite his efforts, a local revolt in 845 resulted in his expulsion from the country and the death of his nephew, Nithard.
Episcopacy and death
After being driven from Sweden, Gautbert was appointed Bishop of Osnabrück by King Louis the German in 845. He held this position for fifteen years, though he remained connected to the Swedish mission by ordaining priests for that region. He died on April 11, 860. He is venerated as a saint, with his feast day observed on February 13.