Raimondo Lullo

Biography

Raimondo Lullo (c. 1232-1315) was a philosopher, poet, theologian, missionary, Christian apologist, and novelist from the island of Majorca.

### Early Life

Lullo's parents were from wealthy Catalan families who settled on the island of Majorca after it was conquered by Count James I in 1229. He was born between 1232 and 1233 and was educated to administer his family's heritage and assume military and courteous responsibilities in the circle of the infant Giacomo, who would later become king of Majorca in 1276.

### Conversion

A turning point in Lullo's life occurred in 1262. According to the "Vita coetanea", a quasi-biography dictated by Lullo himself in 1311, he had five visions of Christ crucified, which led to his conversion.

### Personal Life

In 1257, at the age of 25, Lullo married Bianca Picany, with whom he had two children: Domenico and Maddalena.

Philosophy and Works

Lullo was a mystic writer who sought to convert Muslims and Jews through his writings. He believed in addressing all understandings, Christian or not, in the language of his interlocutors. His philosophy combined theological and philosophical principles to convince others of Christian truth. However, he faced strong opposition from the Thomists of the Order of Santo Domingo, led by Nicolas Eymerich, a Dominican and great inquisitor of Catalonia.

### Literary Contributions

Lullo is considered one of the inventors of Catalan literature. He was the first to use a neo-Latin language to express philosophical, scientific, and technical knowledge. His prose works were influential in spreading Christian apologetics and missionary work among Muslims and Jews.

Legacy

Despite facing opposition and papal condemnation, Lullo's writings had a significant impact on the development of Catalan literature and Christian apologetics. His legacy continues to be studied by scholars today.