Italian Dominican monk Ricoldo da Monte di Croce died in Florence on October 31, 1320

Ricoldo da Monte di Croce traveled from Italy to the Holy Land in 1288 before continuing to Baghdad. While there, he studied the Quran in Arabic and considered translating it into Latin. A copy of the text containing his Latin notes is held in the French National Library.

He engaged in theological debates with Nestorian Christians regarding the person of Christ and the title of Mary as Mother of God. He met Patriarch Yebala Ha III, who defended Ricoldo against accusations of being a follower of Nestorius. Although some bishops objected to the Patriarch's support, the Patriarch allowed Ricoldo to preach in their churches. Ricoldo had previously been expelled from some churches by clergy who offered him food and shelter only if he ceased preaching.

Ricoldo advised missionaries to learn local languages and understand regional beliefs to avoid relying on translators who lack theological terminology. He also engaged in discussions with Muslim scholars and noted the hospitality and prayer practices of Muslims, though he remained a critic of Islamic doctrine. Following the fall of Acre in 1291, he wrote letters addressing God and the Virgin Mary regarding the deaths and captivity of Christians.