""The Holy See and the Spiritual Franciscans"" by Emile Gebhart is a historical account of the conflict between the Catholic Church and the Spiritual Franciscans during the late Middle Ages. The book explores the origins of the Franciscan order, its early history, and its eventual split into two factions: the Conventual Franciscans and the Spiritual Franciscans. The latter group, led by the charismatic figure of St. Francis of Assisi, advocated for a radical return to the poverty and simplicity of the early Church. Gebhart examines the tensions that arose between the Spiritual Franciscans and the Church hierarchy, particularly over issues of poverty and property ownership. The book documents the efforts of successive popes to bring the Spiritual Franciscans back into line with Church doctrine, and the resistance of the Franciscans to these efforts. Through a detailed analysis of primary sources, including papal bulls, sermons, and letters, Gebhart provides a nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between the Church and the Spiritual Franciscans. He also sheds light on the broader social and political context of the time, including the rise of the merchant class and the emergence of new forms of religious dissent. Overall, ""The Holy See and the Spiritual Franciscans"" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of the Catholic Church, the Franciscan order, or the social and political dynamics of the late Middle Ages.THIS 48 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Mystics and Heretics in Italy at the End of the Middle Ages, by Emile Gebhart. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 0766103714.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.