Born c. 1180,
Pian del Carpini, Tuscany
Died August 1, 1252,
Italy

The Mongol invasions of the thirteenth century frightened all the countries of Europe and Asia. In an attempt to avoid war, many leaders sent diplomats to the court of the Mongol khans. One of the most important delegations, sent in 1245 by Pope Innocent IV, was headed by Giovanni da Pian del Carpini.

Born in Pian del Carpini, a village near the city of Perugia (in present-day Italy), Carpini was a contemporary of St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan order of monks. Carpini became one of the earliest members of the Franciscans. When he was chosen by the pope to lead a mission to the Mongols, he was almost 65 years old and had extensive negotiating experience, having already been sent to Germany, Spain, Hungary, Poland, Scandinavia, and elsewhere. Carpini was...