Girolamo Savonarola was an Italian priest active in Renaissance Florence. He was well known because of his denunciation of the Church's corruption, but also because of his prophecies of biblical renewal.
Opinions about Savonarola were divided. During most of his life, he was extremely popular. He reflected the general discontent with the abuses of the Church among the population. He also criticized the power abuses of the Medici, and the ills of society. His prophecies of destruction coincided with the invasion of Charles VIII of France, which threw Italy into chaos. Many believed this was proof of Savonarola's gift of prophecy.
However, he was not popular among leaders of the Church, as he denounced many of their abuses. When tested by a rival Florentine preacher, he fare terribly, turning public opinion against him. He was eventually excommunicated, hanged and burnt in the main square of Florence.
