Missionary Activity of the Franciscans in Asia in the 1240s

Authors:

Pages: 78-89
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54664/PAGD6203

Abstract:

In the first half of the 13th century, the character of the Franciscan mission underwent a change. While the first Franciscans embarked on missionary journeys driven by the longing for martyrdom, the friars who set out from 1225 onwards were authorized by the Pope and went to take over the religious care of Christian minorities and to convert non-believers. With the Mongol invasion of Europe in 1241, the opportunity arose to cover new missionary areas. Franciscan friar John of Plano Carpini’s travel account contributes to a more rational view of the unknown Asian people. Тhis article attempts to show, through the example of Carpini’s travelogue, that by the mid-13th century, the missionary activities of the Franciscans had not completely lost its distinctiveness and ideals despite being instrumentalized by the Apostolic See.

Keywords:

Franciscan order; Franciscan missionary activities; Mongol Empire; John of Plano Carpini.

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