La presenza dei Predicatori a Milano: tempi, motivi, protagonisti (fino al 1233)

The reputation of Milan and Lombardy as a land of heretics was problematic, since accusations of heresy could be addressed to political enemies, or to those who did not observe the anti-heretical legislation promulgated by popes and emperors. The decision to found a Dominican convent in Milan does not appear to be primarily linked to the need to stem the heretical phenomenon, but to the need to have preachers who could interact above all with the Commune in order to validly collaborate with the ecclesiastical authorities in promoting general pacifications. It was only with the legation of Goffredo Castiglioni (1228-1229) that the Friars Minor and Preachers had any role in identifying and capturing heretics within the cities and in agreement with the local bishops. It was then the great campaign of Alleluia (1233) that sanctioned the potential of the action deployed by numerous representatives of the two Orders: with the Mendicants, the papacy could dispose of trustworthy collaborators.