Pietro Bernardino Follower of Savonarola Country: Italy

Biography of Pietro Bernardino

Pietro Bernardino dei Fanciulli was born around 1475 in Florence. His parents were simple people, and he lacked a formal education. However, Bernardino later became an ardent follower of Girolamo Savonarola and actively participated in his preaching, diligently studying his works. Despite having only superficial knowledge of theology, Bernardino preached to people in the squares of Florence and secretly spread several revolutionary doctrines during Savonarola's lifetime and after his death. He believed that the church needed to be renewed by the sword and that there was no need for confession until this was achieved, as all priests were unworthy.

According to the Florentine chronicler Bartolomeo Cerretani, about twenty followers of Savonarola formed a secret society and elected Pietro as their leader. At the age of 25, Pietro was bestowed with special ecclesiastical duties and anointed his followers with holy oil. The devotees who did not participate in religious services prayed during gatherings led by Pietro, whom they revered as a prophet.

When the Archbishop learned of the society's existence, he requested the Council of Florence to ban their gatherings. In 1502, Bernardino's supporters secretly left the city and arrived in Mirandola, where Count Gian Francesco, a fervent supporter of Bernardino's ideas, warmly welcomed them. Shortly after, Francesco's two brothers besieged him, claiming their rights to Mirandola. Pietro declared that the Lord commanded Francesco to fight against his enemies, and the Count obediently followed his instructions. In August 1502, Mirandola was captured, and Francesco lost his territory. Bernardino and his followers fell into the hands of the victors. He was burned at the stake as a heretic, along with some of his supporters, while the remaining sectarians were either exiled or expelled to Florence.