This chapter focuses on Joachim of Fiore, Giovanni’s alleged companion and inspirator. After a brief introduction to Joachim’s life and works, this chapter explains the controversies that Joachim’s prophecies and theological views provoked. The chapter also explores the centuries-long and failed attempts made by Joachim’s followers to have him officially canonized. In the seventeenth century, the case for Joachim’s sanctity received several boosts, including the important endorsement of the Jesuit Daniel Papebroch, one of the leaders of the Bollandists. The chapter explores all the political, intellectual, and theological reasons for this novel enthusiasm, which Carlo hoped would have benefited Giovanni’s case as well. Analyzing the joint cases of Joachim and Giovanni provides a unique lens through which we can appreciate the politics of sanctity in connection with questions of historical authenticity and theological orthodoxy.
