This week in Christian history: ‘Earthquake Synod,’ Edict of Worms issued, Italian preacher executed

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, May 21, 2023

Girolamo Savonarola – May 23, 1498

Girolamo Savonarola (1452-1498), an Italian preacher, Catholic Church reformer, political activist and mystic who was eventually hanged for heresy. | Public Domain

This week marks the anniversary of when Girolamo Savonarola, an Italian preacher, Catholic Church reformer and political activist, was hanged and burned for heresy.

Savonarola had come to power in Florence, a few years earlier after the overthrow of Medici rule, with the goal of engaging in both religious and political reform of the society.

However, Savonarola had garnered his share of enemies in the process, including Pope Alexander VI, and was executed alongside two supporters after a riot overthrew his rule.

“The account of his last hours is like a page from the lives of the Church Fathers. Before mounting the scaffold, he piously received the pope’s absolution and plenary indulgence,” noted Britannica.

“After Savonarola’s death, a cult was dedicated to him, which had a long history. Saints canonized by the church, such as St. Philip Neri and St. Catherine de’ Ricci, venerated him as a saint; an office was said for him, and miracles he had performed were recorded.”