John Gualbert was an 11th-century Italian Benedictine monk and abbot who was born into the noble Visdomini family near Florence. After choosing to renounce a path of vengeance on Good Friday, he entered the Benedictine Order at San Miniato. He is most recognized for establishing the Vallumbrosan Order in 1036. Throughout his religious life, he was a dedicated reformer who actively fought against the practices of nepotism and simony within the church.