Peter Waldo

Peter Waldo, also known as Pierre de Walde, was a Christian religious leader and reformer who lived in the 12th century. He is best known as the founder of the Waldensian movement, a Christian community that advocated for a return to a more simple and ascetic way of life.

Waldo was born in Lyon, France and was a wealthy merchant before he became deeply religious and renounced his wealth. He became a disciple of a hermit named Theobald and together they started preaching a message of poverty and simplicity. Waldo attracted a following of like-minded individuals and formed the Waldensian movement, which became known for its rejection of material wealth and its focus on living a life of simplicity and devotion to God.

The Waldensians faced opposition from the Catholic Church, which considered them heretical for their rejection of the authority of the Pope and the Church. Waldo and his followers were eventually excommunicated and forced to flee from their homes. Despite facing persecution, the Waldensian movement continued to spread and gained followers throughout Europe.

Waldo is considered a martyr and a saint by many Waldensian communities, and his teachings have been a source of inspiration for many Christian reform movements throughout history. Today, the Waldensian Church continues to exist as a small Protestant denomination with a presence in Italy, France, and other countries.