Giovanni da Serravalle

Giovanni da Serravalle, also known as Giovanni de Bertoldi (c. 1350 – 1445), was a Sammarinese Franciscan and humanist, who became bishop of Fermo and bishop of Fano (1417–1445). He is now best known for his commentary on Dante.

Life Giovanni de Bertoldi was ordained a priest in the Order of Friars Minor. From 1387 to 1390 he taught moral philosophy at the University of Pavia. He taught arts at the University of Perugia for a year from 1400. He was appointed bishop of Fermo by Pope Gregory XII, around 1410. On 15 Dec 1417, he was appointed during the papacy of Pope Martin V as Bishop of Fano.

While bishop, he was the Principal Co-Consecrator Jean Heysterbach, Auxiliary Bishop of Augsburg (1436). He did this largely for the benefit of Nicholas Bubwith and Robert Hallam, English bishops attending the council; he was encouraged by Amedeo Saluzzo attending the council, who was a cardinal of the Avignon obedience. Serraville was also a source for stories concerning the young Dante's visits to Paris and Oxford. He lectured at Constance on Dante too, producing later a written commentary. It was strongly influenced by Benvenuto da Imola and Stefano Talice da Ricaldone; and Serravalle revised Benvenuto's glosses, to support the council's reforming programme.

Digital Editions: