The Pious and Political Networks of Catherine of Siena

This project looks at the career of St. Catherine of Siena and argues that without the relationships she had with her closest followers, who provided social connections and knowledge of the operation of political power, she would not have been able to pursue as active or wide-ranging a career. The examination of Catherine’s relationships, the careers of her followers, and the ways she made use of this network of support, relies mainly on Catherine\u27s extant letters. Most prior research on St. Catherine focuses on her spirituality and work with the papacy, which leaves out the influence of her local, political environment and the activities of her associates. This work examines Catherine’s place on Siena\u27s political landscape and within the system of Italian politics more generally