Ubertino of Casale[1] (1259–1329) was an Italian Franciscan and one of the leaders (together with Michael of Cesena; preceded by Peter Olivi) of the stricter branch of the Franciscan Christian order. For some time he was a chaplain of the cardinal Orsini.
Ubertino was born in Casale Monferrato. He was suspended from preaching because of his attacks on the carnality of the Church, so he retired to Monte Alverna. While in disfavor with the Pope, he wrote the Arbor Vitae Crucifixae Jesu Christi (The Tree of the Crucified Life of Jesus), exalting a literal interpretation of the Rule of St. Francis and the poverty of Christ. Ubertino is also noted for his direct identification of two popes, Boniface VIII and Benedict XI, as being aspects of the Antichrist mysticus, or mystical Antichrist, the former for his tyranny over the spiritual Franciscans, the latter for his hypocrisy, both aspects of the Antichrist.[2]
Ubertino and Michael of Cesena appear as minor, yet important characters in Umberto Eco's famous historical novel The Name of the Rose (1980), and its film adaptation, where Ubertino is played by William Hickey. Ubertino of Casale is also mentioned by Bonaventure in Dante's Comedy (Paradiso, Canto XII, verses 121-126), as supporter of stricter Franciscan rules.