The 500th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Paola has passed without the proper recognition or serious study regarding links between
the San Francesco di Paola (1416-1507) and Christopher Columbus (1451-1506). International conventions of historians have been held,
including the last held in September of 2007. They posed many arguments about St. Francis of Paola and his work, without treating this
subject. Yet in light of recent studies on the "Navigator of two worlds" (Columbus) and the discovery of America, made in particular by the
Columbus authority Ruggero Marino, some elements have emerged that should not be underestimated and if fleshed out, could prove useful to
a more complete and truthful study of the Saint (Francesco) in Calabria and the discovery of the American continent. Marino in his books,
published in 1991, on the basis of a new interpretation of ancient papers and documents, revisits the events of the "Admiral of the Ocean" and
the discovery of the new world by uncovering a Pope ignored by historical research: Innocent VIII (Giovanni Battista Cybo, 1484-1492) who
was, in his opinion, the true owner (sponsor) of the voyage of Columbus.
Another eminent authority on Columbus, Professor Gaetano Ferro speaks instead of involvement between Columbus and Pope Sixtus IV
(Francesco della Rovere, 1471-1484). You may know how very close ties were between these two Popes from Liguria (unlike the Spanish
Pope, that would succeed Innocent VIII in August 1492: said the famous Alexander VI Borgia) but the authorities on Columbus have never made
the extraordinary case that links the saint from Paola (as well as his close colleague Baldassarre De Gutrossis from Spigno) had with these
Ligurian pontiffs. Moreover, they never made any connection – except, if only marginally, by Marino – between say Columbus (faithful
defender) and his contemporary San Francesco di Paola. For example, we recall the secret talks between San Francisco and Pope Sixtus IV in
1483 before his departure for Tours, in France to the Court of Louis XI, Europe's most powerful King. Note that during this period Lorenzo the
Magnificent was present in Rome with his son Giovanni, just three years old at the time. Francesco predicted then that he (Giovanni) would
become Pope.
In fact, Giovanni de'Medici, who Innocent VIII had elevated to Cardinal at just eighteen years of age (based on Columbus previously demanding
the purple (cape) for the underage son Diego in a letter sent to the Pope in 1493 …which was discovered recently), was elected Pope in 1513,
under the name of Leo X. upon the death of Julius II. Lorenzo however was also father-in-law of Innocent VIII as Franceschetto, legitimate son
of the Pontiff, had married the daughter of del Magnifico, Maddalena dei Medici. Sixtus IV in 1474, with the Papal bull ‘Sedes Apostolica’, gave
the first real recognition to the Congregation of Pope Innocent VIII, with the Papal bull ‘Pastor Officium’, confirmed the privileges granted by his
predecessor to the order of St. Francis of Paola.
Columbus scholars speak of two historical events that proved decisive for the subsequent departure of the Genoese Admiral, on August 3,
1492: the battle of Otranto (1480) and the surrender of Granada (January 2, 1492). These two events appear to show the leading role that the
Saint from Paola held. Indeed Francesco heralded the attack well in advance on the Turks at Otranto, which historians have labeled, perhaps
too hastily, as the "miracle"; and in fact it was said regarding Granada that King Ferdinand V, discouraged, was to abandon the siege of the city
of Malaga (part of the Moorish Kingdom of Granada) when thanks to the intervention of two envoys of Francesco, fathers Bernardino Otranto
and Jacques Espèrvier, the Spanish King suddenly decided not to desist and the Moors were forced to sign the surrender. Since then at
various locations in Spain (including Seville, Cadiz and Andujar in Andalusia) the followers of the order of St. Francis of Paola were called
Frates de Victoria. Institutions and nunneries were founded by grants from Ferdinando il Cattolico. Columbus frequently refers to these two
episodes in his writings.
With ever increasing support for a Director of the Vatican influencing the politics of Spain (a "Roman Catholic nation") with respect to the
Columbus expedition and you begin to discredit the "story", of the past five hundred years, of the funding granted by the Spanish monarchs,
Isabella of Castile (who is said to have committed even her jewels to help Columbus) and Ferdinand of Aragon. In contrast, it is being accepted
with increasing certainty that to finance the trip of the "Hero of two worlds" Florentine bankers (Giannotto Berardi, a banker linked to Lorenzo
the Magnificent) and (Francesco Pinelli, great-nephew of Pope Innocent VIII) of Genoa were with their ‘angel” financial partners including
Columbus himself, and others.
Francesco Pinelli at that time lived in Andalusia and was "in close contact with Battista Pinelli who was granted (the position of) Apostolic notary
by Innocent VIII and qualified as cives ianuenses" (De Anna G.). Battista is also grandnephew of Giovanni Battista Cybo, who between 1491
and 1495 was appointed Archbishop of Cosenza (Fiore da Cropani) and almost certainly played a role in regard to the initial funding received
by Columbus in Spain, where the Archbishop from Cosenza received numerous benefits from Innocent VIII and by his successor Alexander VI.
After the first voyage of discovery of Columbus, the Calabrian sailor Anton Calabrés, from Amantea (town near Paola) is listed among the crew
- of just ninety members excluding clergy -. The decision to send clergy to the New World was the sole relevant contribution of the King
Ferdinand favored the voyage. Coincidentally, Bernard Boyle who was at this time, his adviser and Secretary had recently made the decision to
enter the order of Minims Hermits (followers of Francesco) after having personally met Saint Francesco of Paola in Tours in 1486. Boyle, a year
before the departure for the new continent by Christopher Columbus had been appointed by Francesco Vicar General for Spain as the first
missionary and apostolic delegate granted by Papal Bull (Piis fidelium of June 25, 1493).
An apparent difficulty arises at this point in the story, as the Calabrian saint …declared by Pius XII "The patron saint of Italian seafarers " has
never been connected with Columbus, especially given that we can be certain that the same Boyl (spiritual companion of Columbus) back from
the new world met Francesco again in 1494 at Tours before travelling to Rome to intercede with the Pope in favor of the order of the minims for
Francesco. It is likely that there was a meeting between Columbus and the envoys of San Francesco since Columbus was also in that city at
that time from messages sent during the taking of Granada. Further the reports of Columbus with France were frequent and perhaps even
more so than have been reported. Noteworthy, but little known about the first voyage of discovery, is the fact that two French Franciscans
should have been aboard the ships of Columbus. Columbus, who waited until the last moment, was forced to depart from the port of Palos
without the clerics. The French, who participated in the successive voyages of Columbus, were sent by General of the Order, Francesco
Samson who, for the role they played, must have had a relationship with the Court of France and with Francesco di Paola, spiritual advisor of
the Royal family and figure who grew up "in the sign and in the name of Francis of Assisi" (Donini M.).
Instead, it has always been widely spoken, of the great commitment of San Francesco di Paola and not only at the French Court, for the re-
establishment of relations between France and the Holy See; too overcome the differences between France and Spain and between France
and Kingdom of Naples in order to avoid the outbreak of new armed conflicts between Christian powers. But, beyond that purpose there could
be something else very important in the intentions of Francis. In fact, the reality that in Christian Europe of that period, there was an
atmosphere of maximum disorder, which is more than likely the basis for San Francesco’s seeking unity between the heads of Italian and
European Christians. The specific purpose was more accurately to embark on a common crusade, at the turn of the 16th century, against
Muslims. Moreover, there are several documents and testimonies that lead in this direction.
Two letters sent between 1482 and 1496 to Simone Alimena, Duke of Montalto in Calabria and Viceroy of Apulia, his friend and benefactor
belonging to a family of Greek origin have always been underrated by biographers of Saint Francis.
In the letter of February 5, 1482 Francesco-exactly two years after Otranto and a year before his meetings with the greatest rulers of the time
strongly charged the secular princes to resolve the "worst of the infidels" and "tyrants of the people of God". One man spoke of “ The blood of
Emperor Constantine son of Saint Helena and the seed of Pepino ..." that "for the highest virtue defeat tyrants, heretics and infidels ..." and "will
make a huge army ...". A new order will be founded at the behest of God (it will be “a new religion which will be the last. Will proceed with arms,
with prayers and holy protection ... "). And always addressing his friend from Montalato writes: "by V.s. has to be the Grand Duke of the militia,
has to win the world of temporal and spiritual medallions and can no longer be in the world none other than Lord of the order of holy militia of
the Holy Spirit.
They will take the sign of God [cross] alive within their breasts... ". And adds: "The leader and founder of this people will be one of your lineage
and this will be the great reformer of the Church of God ... it will be great captain and Prince of the Holy people, appointed there ' Saints
Crucified by Jesus Christ ', which will consume the sect of Mohamed with the rest of the infidels". Finally, in the letter of August 13, 1496 San
Francesco will say that, the new order will show "with crucifix raised prominently above on banners" and "The victor will be named their founder,
champion of the world, the flesh and the devil".
Another important witness in this sense comes from father Giovanni Fiore from Cropani, leading seventeenth-century historian of Calabria, who
writes that (Francesco) "prophesied in Calabria a religion of Knights to the Ottoman Empire ..." (!). And even in the Papal Bull of Leo X for the
canonization of St. Francis of Paola speaks of "Expeditions of Holy Crusades in the Ottoman (empire)..".
It is perhaps appropriate to highlight that Francesco "was good and charitable, but was not opposed to war, to corporal punishment, the death
penalty and divine vengeance" (G. Sole). The same dress adopted by the order, with "a hood covering the shoulders and the chest to below
the knees, has the shape of the helmet and amour of the medieval knight" (Pagine Cattoliche).
Even the popes of the time were very worried about the Islamic threat. Constantinople fell on May 29, 1453 by the Turks and it can be said that
from that moment on, (the idea of a) crusade would become the common denominator of Vatican politics: from Pope Nicholas V, who with a
Papal Bull of September 30th 1453 turned to all the Princes to encourage them to make a "holy crusade", the Pontiff Innocent VIII, after the
successful crusade in Spain gave the final push for the final redemption of Jerusalem departure of Columbus who would have to
circumnavigate the globe during his crusade. It wasn’t by chance that the sails of Columbus’s ships were decorated with Crosses of the
Templars or of the Crusades. In that regard, it seems that two centuries before the dispatch of Columbus in America the Templars, who were
the largest European institution and richest after the Church, already from the port of La Rochelle (Port des minimi), in France ploughed the
waves of the Atlantic and reached the new continent.
Colombo was definitely influenced by information contained in the work "Il Milione" by Marco Polo. A richly annotated book (translated into Latin
by the cleric Francesco Pipino) was found in his library. The Genoese Navigator (according to some scholars of Spanish descent, Greek,
Portuguese, Hebrew,...) was convinced that he could reach the East coast of Asia, traveling westward and then "Cathay" and "Japan" (one of
the "seven thousand independent Indian Islands" -according to Polo - some "1400 nautical miles from the Mainland") were a few weeks of travel
from the Iberian coast. Columbus's initial goals were the discovery and taking of possession through a legal act, not the conquest with military
strength: with three ships and approximately ninety men which would have been impossible.
Legally taking possession of the Islands was justified by the alleged donation of Constantine, which he attributed to the Pope's authority over all
the islands of the world as well as legal writings, dating back to the previous century discovery (Tractatus de Insulis of Bartolo da Sassoferrato),
it was established that the outer islands from the Mainland over a hundred miles were no longer under the sovereign rule of the King who ruled
on land and could be employed as no man's land (terra nullius) they were inhabited by pagans and not capable of an effective resistance to
occupation.
The donation of Constantine is a legendary document dating back to the coronation of “Pepin the Short”, King of the Franks by the Pope,
during a period in which they initially gave to the State of the Church thanks to the intervention of the same Emperor against the troops of King
Astolphus of Longobardy, which occurred between 754 and 756. In this respect also the great- grandson of Pippin Charlemagne-who was
baptized on Easter Sunday from Pope Adrian I, who changed the name of Carloman as Pepino and the following day the consecrated King of
Italy in the age of only 3 years, defeated the Avars who wanted to invade Italy and in 801 drove the Saracens from Corsica. The real
achievement should then take place subsequent to the voyage of discovery.
Numerous testimonies attest to the fact that the theme of the crusade, the fight against Muslims and the liberation of the Holy Sepulcher was a
fixed idea that dominated the thought of Columbus. On March 4th 1493 the Admiral wrote to the Spanish royalty claiming that within seven
years he would have paid to the Kings of Spain 5,000 cavalry and 50,000 infantry for the conquest of Jerusalem “to which it was decided that
undertaking", and after another five years "other 5,000 cavalry and 50,000 infantry, which would make 10,000 cavalry and 100,000 infantry ...".
In 1501 in another letter addressed to Spanish sovereigns as cited by Gioacchino a Fiore (Abbot Joahachin Calabrés) who had written "that
would come from Spain who had to rebuild the (temple) of Mount Zion".
In this regard, Paolo Emilio Taviani, one of the greatest scholars worldwide of Columbus, said that "perhaps the true motive which prompted
Columbus to face this difficult journey was the mystical perspective to be protagonist of a providential mission, and that everything fits in the
conception of the world derived from Abbot Calabrese, Columbus, like many Franciscans of his day, was more or less consciously influenced
and affected". Columbus’ design wasn’t just that of evangelization of the Amerindian peoples; It was the conquest of gold for the crusade in the
Holy Land: "I pray to Your Highness, that all the proceeds of this my company will be spent for the conquest of Jerusalem ..." (Logbook,
December 26, 1492). "Gold was for him not only an instrument of wealth, of economic progress, but also and above all, an instrument of the
power of Christianity too as means to a victorious war against the Turks for the re-conquest of the Holy Sepulcher; Finally, why not as a means
necessary to procure the advent of the third age as envisioned by Gioacchino a Fiore? One of general well-being and perfection "(Taviani p.
e.).
It is clear, therefore, that the crusade was a fixed idea, a concrete goal, both in the minds of Columbus and San Francesco di Paola.
Furthermore Islam threatened Christianity: the fall of Constantinople, the Christian blood spilled in attack the Otranto infidels were signals that
they couldn't wait longer. And once the crusade against the Moors in Spain-with the important contribution of Frates de Victoria was concluded
they could make the final crusade of Columbus. San Francesco and the Popes were anxious to unite the European potentates. Columbus for
his part spared no effort in his attempt to achieve the purpose by calling at all the courts of Europe.
Following, it is likely that the conviction of Columbus to depart from Spain was dictated by the desire to realize the prophecy of the Calabrian
Abbot Gioacchino da Fiore as previously mentioned, in letters to the Spanish royals and his logbook-also as repeated in his Book of
Prophecies: ... bloomed in Calabria and wrote several books of great utility. Also, in the expedition of Kings and Princes in the Holy Land [the
Fourth Crusade, 1203-04], and at their request, he predicted that would have gotten little profit because it was not yet time to undertake the
expedition ". Finally, in a letter addressed to the Pope in 1502 Columbus says that "Satan has prevented all this and with violence has made
sure that nothing is realized... and why not so comes of the light a Holy purpose".
Having read all of this, if the reader still does not believe the connection between Columbus and San Francesco di Paola has been made, we
say with conviction that he should further his studies in this direction for the sake of justice and historical truth.
Giuseppe Pisano
English translation by Marty Sturino
Ciao!
©copyright 2011 Property of MJSturino,LLC
Any reproduction with-out the owners express written consent is strictly prohibited
the San Francesco di Paola (1416-1507) and Christopher Columbus (1451-1506). International conventions of historians have been held,
including the last held in September of 2007. They posed many arguments about St. Francis of Paola and his work, without treating this
subject. Yet in light of recent studies on the "Navigator of two worlds" (Columbus) and the discovery of America, made in particular by the
Columbus authority Ruggero Marino, some elements have emerged that should not be underestimated and if fleshed out, could prove useful to
a more complete and truthful study of the Saint (Francesco) in Calabria and the discovery of the American continent. Marino in his books,
published in 1991, on the basis of a new interpretation of ancient papers and documents, revisits the events of the "Admiral of the Ocean" and
the discovery of the new world by uncovering a Pope ignored by historical research: Innocent VIII (Giovanni Battista Cybo, 1484-1492) who
was, in his opinion, the true owner (sponsor) of the voyage of Columbus.
Another eminent authority on Columbus, Professor Gaetano Ferro speaks instead of involvement between Columbus and Pope Sixtus IV
(Francesco della Rovere, 1471-1484). You may know how very close ties were between these two Popes from Liguria (unlike the Spanish
Pope, that would succeed Innocent VIII in August 1492: said the famous Alexander VI Borgia) but the authorities on Columbus have never made
the extraordinary case that links the saint from Paola (as well as his close colleague Baldassarre De Gutrossis from Spigno) had with these
Ligurian pontiffs. Moreover, they never made any connection – except, if only marginally, by Marino – between say Columbus (faithful
defender) and his contemporary San Francesco di Paola. For example, we recall the secret talks between San Francisco and Pope Sixtus IV in
1483 before his departure for Tours, in France to the Court of Louis XI, Europe's most powerful King. Note that during this period Lorenzo the
Magnificent was present in Rome with his son Giovanni, just three years old at the time. Francesco predicted then that he (Giovanni) would
become Pope.
In fact, Giovanni de'Medici, who Innocent VIII had elevated to Cardinal at just eighteen years of age (based on Columbus previously demanding
the purple (cape) for the underage son Diego in a letter sent to the Pope in 1493 …which was discovered recently), was elected Pope in 1513,
under the name of Leo X. upon the death of Julius II. Lorenzo however was also father-in-law of Innocent VIII as Franceschetto, legitimate son
of the Pontiff, had married the daughter of del Magnifico, Maddalena dei Medici. Sixtus IV in 1474, with the Papal bull ‘Sedes Apostolica’, gave
the first real recognition to the Congregation of Pope Innocent VIII, with the Papal bull ‘Pastor Officium’, confirmed the privileges granted by his
predecessor to the order of St. Francis of Paola.
Columbus scholars speak of two historical events that proved decisive for the subsequent departure of the Genoese Admiral, on August 3,
1492: the battle of Otranto (1480) and the surrender of Granada (January 2, 1492). These two events appear to show the leading role that the
Saint from Paola held. Indeed Francesco heralded the attack well in advance on the Turks at Otranto, which historians have labeled, perhaps
too hastily, as the "miracle"; and in fact it was said regarding Granada that King Ferdinand V, discouraged, was to abandon the siege of the city
of Malaga (part of the Moorish Kingdom of Granada) when thanks to the intervention of two envoys of Francesco, fathers Bernardino Otranto
and Jacques Espèrvier, the Spanish King suddenly decided not to desist and the Moors were forced to sign the surrender. Since then at
various locations in Spain (including Seville, Cadiz and Andujar in Andalusia) the followers of the order of St. Francis of Paola were called
Frates de Victoria. Institutions and nunneries were founded by grants from Ferdinando il Cattolico. Columbus frequently refers to these two
episodes in his writings.
With ever increasing support for a Director of the Vatican influencing the politics of Spain (a "Roman Catholic nation") with respect to the
Columbus expedition and you begin to discredit the "story", of the past five hundred years, of the funding granted by the Spanish monarchs,
Isabella of Castile (who is said to have committed even her jewels to help Columbus) and Ferdinand of Aragon. In contrast, it is being accepted
with increasing certainty that to finance the trip of the "Hero of two worlds" Florentine bankers (Giannotto Berardi, a banker linked to Lorenzo
the Magnificent) and (Francesco Pinelli, great-nephew of Pope Innocent VIII) of Genoa were with their ‘angel” financial partners including
Columbus himself, and others.
Francesco Pinelli at that time lived in Andalusia and was "in close contact with Battista Pinelli who was granted (the position of) Apostolic notary
by Innocent VIII and qualified as cives ianuenses" (De Anna G.). Battista is also grandnephew of Giovanni Battista Cybo, who between 1491
and 1495 was appointed Archbishop of Cosenza (Fiore da Cropani) and almost certainly played a role in regard to the initial funding received
by Columbus in Spain, where the Archbishop from Cosenza received numerous benefits from Innocent VIII and by his successor Alexander VI.
After the first voyage of discovery of Columbus, the Calabrian sailor Anton Calabrés, from Amantea (town near Paola) is listed among the crew
- of just ninety members excluding clergy -. The decision to send clergy to the New World was the sole relevant contribution of the King
Ferdinand favored the voyage. Coincidentally, Bernard Boyle who was at this time, his adviser and Secretary had recently made the decision to
enter the order of Minims Hermits (followers of Francesco) after having personally met Saint Francesco of Paola in Tours in 1486. Boyle, a year
before the departure for the new continent by Christopher Columbus had been appointed by Francesco Vicar General for Spain as the first
missionary and apostolic delegate granted by Papal Bull (Piis fidelium of June 25, 1493).
An apparent difficulty arises at this point in the story, as the Calabrian saint …declared by Pius XII "The patron saint of Italian seafarers " has
never been connected with Columbus, especially given that we can be certain that the same Boyl (spiritual companion of Columbus) back from
the new world met Francesco again in 1494 at Tours before travelling to Rome to intercede with the Pope in favor of the order of the minims for
Francesco. It is likely that there was a meeting between Columbus and the envoys of San Francesco since Columbus was also in that city at
that time from messages sent during the taking of Granada. Further the reports of Columbus with France were frequent and perhaps even
more so than have been reported. Noteworthy, but little known about the first voyage of discovery, is the fact that two French Franciscans
should have been aboard the ships of Columbus. Columbus, who waited until the last moment, was forced to depart from the port of Palos
without the clerics. The French, who participated in the successive voyages of Columbus, were sent by General of the Order, Francesco
Samson who, for the role they played, must have had a relationship with the Court of France and with Francesco di Paola, spiritual advisor of
the Royal family and figure who grew up "in the sign and in the name of Francis of Assisi" (Donini M.).
Instead, it has always been widely spoken, of the great commitment of San Francesco di Paola and not only at the French Court, for the re-
establishment of relations between France and the Holy See; too overcome the differences between France and Spain and between France
and Kingdom of Naples in order to avoid the outbreak of new armed conflicts between Christian powers. But, beyond that purpose there could
be something else very important in the intentions of Francis. In fact, the reality that in Christian Europe of that period, there was an
atmosphere of maximum disorder, which is more than likely the basis for San Francesco’s seeking unity between the heads of Italian and
European Christians. The specific purpose was more accurately to embark on a common crusade, at the turn of the 16th century, against
Muslims. Moreover, there are several documents and testimonies that lead in this direction.
Two letters sent between 1482 and 1496 to Simone Alimena, Duke of Montalto in Calabria and Viceroy of Apulia, his friend and benefactor
belonging to a family of Greek origin have always been underrated by biographers of Saint Francis.
In the letter of February 5, 1482 Francesco-exactly two years after Otranto and a year before his meetings with the greatest rulers of the time
strongly charged the secular princes to resolve the "worst of the infidels" and "tyrants of the people of God". One man spoke of “ The blood of
Emperor Constantine son of Saint Helena and the seed of Pepino ..." that "for the highest virtue defeat tyrants, heretics and infidels ..." and "will
make a huge army ...". A new order will be founded at the behest of God (it will be “a new religion which will be the last. Will proceed with arms,
with prayers and holy protection ... "). And always addressing his friend from Montalato writes: "by V.s. has to be the Grand Duke of the militia,
has to win the world of temporal and spiritual medallions and can no longer be in the world none other than Lord of the order of holy militia of
the Holy Spirit.
They will take the sign of God [cross] alive within their breasts... ". And adds: "The leader and founder of this people will be one of your lineage
and this will be the great reformer of the Church of God ... it will be great captain and Prince of the Holy people, appointed there ' Saints
Crucified by Jesus Christ ', which will consume the sect of Mohamed with the rest of the infidels". Finally, in the letter of August 13, 1496 San
Francesco will say that, the new order will show "with crucifix raised prominently above on banners" and "The victor will be named their founder,
champion of the world, the flesh and the devil".
Another important witness in this sense comes from father Giovanni Fiore from Cropani, leading seventeenth-century historian of Calabria, who
writes that (Francesco) "prophesied in Calabria a religion of Knights to the Ottoman Empire ..." (!). And even in the Papal Bull of Leo X for the
canonization of St. Francis of Paola speaks of "Expeditions of Holy Crusades in the Ottoman (empire)..".
It is perhaps appropriate to highlight that Francesco "was good and charitable, but was not opposed to war, to corporal punishment, the death
penalty and divine vengeance" (G. Sole). The same dress adopted by the order, with "a hood covering the shoulders and the chest to below
the knees, has the shape of the helmet and amour of the medieval knight" (Pagine Cattoliche).
Even the popes of the time were very worried about the Islamic threat. Constantinople fell on May 29, 1453 by the Turks and it can be said that
from that moment on, (the idea of a) crusade would become the common denominator of Vatican politics: from Pope Nicholas V, who with a
Papal Bull of September 30th 1453 turned to all the Princes to encourage them to make a "holy crusade", the Pontiff Innocent VIII, after the
successful crusade in Spain gave the final push for the final redemption of Jerusalem departure of Columbus who would have to
circumnavigate the globe during his crusade. It wasn’t by chance that the sails of Columbus’s ships were decorated with Crosses of the
Templars or of the Crusades. In that regard, it seems that two centuries before the dispatch of Columbus in America the Templars, who were
the largest European institution and richest after the Church, already from the port of La Rochelle (Port des minimi), in France ploughed the
waves of the Atlantic and reached the new continent.
Colombo was definitely influenced by information contained in the work "Il Milione" by Marco Polo. A richly annotated book (translated into Latin
by the cleric Francesco Pipino) was found in his library. The Genoese Navigator (according to some scholars of Spanish descent, Greek,
Portuguese, Hebrew,...) was convinced that he could reach the East coast of Asia, traveling westward and then "Cathay" and "Japan" (one of
the "seven thousand independent Indian Islands" -according to Polo - some "1400 nautical miles from the Mainland") were a few weeks of travel
from the Iberian coast. Columbus's initial goals were the discovery and taking of possession through a legal act, not the conquest with military
strength: with three ships and approximately ninety men which would have been impossible.
Legally taking possession of the Islands was justified by the alleged donation of Constantine, which he attributed to the Pope's authority over all
the islands of the world as well as legal writings, dating back to the previous century discovery (Tractatus de Insulis of Bartolo da Sassoferrato),
it was established that the outer islands from the Mainland over a hundred miles were no longer under the sovereign rule of the King who ruled
on land and could be employed as no man's land (terra nullius) they were inhabited by pagans and not capable of an effective resistance to
occupation.
The donation of Constantine is a legendary document dating back to the coronation of “Pepin the Short”, King of the Franks by the Pope,
during a period in which they initially gave to the State of the Church thanks to the intervention of the same Emperor against the troops of King
Astolphus of Longobardy, which occurred between 754 and 756. In this respect also the great- grandson of Pippin Charlemagne-who was
baptized on Easter Sunday from Pope Adrian I, who changed the name of Carloman as Pepino and the following day the consecrated King of
Italy in the age of only 3 years, defeated the Avars who wanted to invade Italy and in 801 drove the Saracens from Corsica. The real
achievement should then take place subsequent to the voyage of discovery.
Numerous testimonies attest to the fact that the theme of the crusade, the fight against Muslims and the liberation of the Holy Sepulcher was a
fixed idea that dominated the thought of Columbus. On March 4th 1493 the Admiral wrote to the Spanish royalty claiming that within seven
years he would have paid to the Kings of Spain 5,000 cavalry and 50,000 infantry for the conquest of Jerusalem “to which it was decided that
undertaking", and after another five years "other 5,000 cavalry and 50,000 infantry, which would make 10,000 cavalry and 100,000 infantry ...".
In 1501 in another letter addressed to Spanish sovereigns as cited by Gioacchino a Fiore (Abbot Joahachin Calabrés) who had written "that
would come from Spain who had to rebuild the (temple) of Mount Zion".
In this regard, Paolo Emilio Taviani, one of the greatest scholars worldwide of Columbus, said that "perhaps the true motive which prompted
Columbus to face this difficult journey was the mystical perspective to be protagonist of a providential mission, and that everything fits in the
conception of the world derived from Abbot Calabrese, Columbus, like many Franciscans of his day, was more or less consciously influenced
and affected". Columbus’ design wasn’t just that of evangelization of the Amerindian peoples; It was the conquest of gold for the crusade in the
Holy Land: "I pray to Your Highness, that all the proceeds of this my company will be spent for the conquest of Jerusalem ..." (Logbook,
December 26, 1492). "Gold was for him not only an instrument of wealth, of economic progress, but also and above all, an instrument of the
power of Christianity too as means to a victorious war against the Turks for the re-conquest of the Holy Sepulcher; Finally, why not as a means
necessary to procure the advent of the third age as envisioned by Gioacchino a Fiore? One of general well-being and perfection "(Taviani p.
e.).
It is clear, therefore, that the crusade was a fixed idea, a concrete goal, both in the minds of Columbus and San Francesco di Paola.
Furthermore Islam threatened Christianity: the fall of Constantinople, the Christian blood spilled in attack the Otranto infidels were signals that
they couldn't wait longer. And once the crusade against the Moors in Spain-with the important contribution of Frates de Victoria was concluded
they could make the final crusade of Columbus. San Francesco and the Popes were anxious to unite the European potentates. Columbus for
his part spared no effort in his attempt to achieve the purpose by calling at all the courts of Europe.
Following, it is likely that the conviction of Columbus to depart from Spain was dictated by the desire to realize the prophecy of the Calabrian
Abbot Gioacchino da Fiore as previously mentioned, in letters to the Spanish royals and his logbook-also as repeated in his Book of
Prophecies: ... bloomed in Calabria and wrote several books of great utility. Also, in the expedition of Kings and Princes in the Holy Land [the
Fourth Crusade, 1203-04], and at their request, he predicted that would have gotten little profit because it was not yet time to undertake the
expedition ". Finally, in a letter addressed to the Pope in 1502 Columbus says that "Satan has prevented all this and with violence has made
sure that nothing is realized... and why not so comes of the light a Holy purpose".
Having read all of this, if the reader still does not believe the connection between Columbus and San Francesco di Paola has been made, we
say with conviction that he should further his studies in this direction for the sake of justice and historical truth.
Giuseppe Pisano
English translation by Marty Sturino
Ciao!
©copyright 2011 Property of MJSturino,LLC
Any reproduction with-out the owners express written consent is strictly prohibited
San Francesco of Paola and Christopher Columbus
The DREAM of the CRUSADE
by Giuseppe Pisano
The DREAM of the CRUSADE
by Giuseppe Pisano
Feature Story