Girolamo Savonarola was an Italian Dominican friar, preacher, and reformer who lived during the late 15th century. He is known for his role in the religious and political upheaval in Florence, Italy. Savonarola was a vocal critic of the corruption and excesses of the Catholic Church and the ruling Medici family. He gained a large following with his fiery sermons and calls for moral and religious reform. However, his radical ideas and actions eventually led to his downfall. Savonarola was excommunicated by the Pope and ultimately executed in 1498. He is remembered as a significant figure in the history of the Renaissance and the Catholic Church.