Abstract
In order to arrive at a reasonable and fair solution of the question propounded in our theme we shall first take a brief survey of the state of Italy shortly before and at the time when Savonarola began his life as a member of the Dominican Order and when, we may say, he began to take an active interest in the affairs of Italy and the Church, in order to see in what manner these things may have influenced his later conduct. We shall examine somewhat into the history of those who occupied the papal throne during this period and their connection with Savonarola to ascertain, if possible, how all these things affected his later actions, especially his preaching and his disregard of the commands of Alexander VI. We shall also look into his claims as a prophet, his interference with and administration of the affairs of Florence, and his failure to accomplish his designs, which ended in the final tragedy of his life. In all these things we must keep in mind that it is the conduct of Savonarola we are examining with a view of deciding whether or not it can be justified, and not the conduct of the popes or of those who may have been instrumental in his condemnation.