Dominican preacher and missionary crusader. A native of Bergamo, Italy, he joined the
Dominicans in 1319 and soon distinguished himself as a brilliant preacher, attracting huge crowds throughout northern Italy. Pleased with his ability to reach large
numbers of believers, he announced in 1335 his
intention to go on a pilgrimage to Rome. When Pope
Benedict XII (r. 1334-1342) learned of the pilgrimage, he feared Venturino might be planning to crown himself pope, and so forbade the
friar to proceed. This
decree was joined by one issued by the
Dominicans themselves at the
Chapter in London (1335). Ignorant of these bans, Venturino proceeded to
Rome and then to
Avignon where he was arrested and imprisoned until 1343. He is also known for helping to organize a crusade, at the behest of Pope
Clement VI (r. 1342-1352), against the Turks who were then menacing Europe.
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