Vaudois

The Vaudois, or Waldensians, are a Christian movement that originated in the late 12th century in what is now southern France. Founded by Peter Waldo, they emphasized poverty, scripture, and direct access to God, rejecting certain teachings of the Catholic Church. They advocated for translating the Bible into the vernacular so that ordinary people could understand it. Over the centuries, they faced persecution but persevered, maintaining their beliefs and practices. Today, the Waldensians are recognized for their commitment to social justice, religious freedom, and ecumenical dialogue, particularly in Italy and parts of Switzerland.