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Peter Waldo

Type Figure Region France Time c. 1140–1205 Also known as Waldo

Peter Waldo was a religious reformer from Lyon, France, founder of the Waldensians (Poor Men of Lyon), who around 1173 renounced his wealth and preac…

Timeline

  1. c. 1140–1173Lyon · Auvergne-Rhône-AlpesMade his fortune trading cloth and other goods in Lyon, living in affluence. Around 1173, deeply moved by events such as the sudden death of a friend, he began reflecting on wealth and faith, planting the seeds of his later religious transformation.
  2. c. 1173–1180Lyon · Auvergne-Rhône-AlpesGave away his fortune, practiced apostolic poverty, and organized companions to translate the Gospels into the vernacular and preach to the people. In 1179 he traveled to Rome for the Third Lateran Council, petitioning Pope Alexander III, who permitted him to preach but not to assume priestly office.
  3. 1180–1205Alpine region · Alpine regionAfter Pope Lucius III issued the bull Ad abolendam against heretics in 1184, Waldo and his followers were formally condemned; they went into exile and maintained their tradition of poverty and preaching, forming what later became known as the Waldensians, continuing in Piedmont, Italy and elsewhere.

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