«Fecero di quel fanciullo crudelissimo scempio». Riflessioni a margine di una leggenda di omicidio rituale in Sicilia

The study examines the origin of a legend of ritual murder located at the time of the Black Plague but elaborated at the beginning of the Modern Age. The genesis of the case, geographically located in Messina, is affected by the relaunch of the blood libel thanks to Simonino of Trento’s story and it must be seen in the context of the conflict between conventual and observant Franciscans.