The origins of the Valdese and of the Piemontesi of the Alps Cozie, are inspired by the teachings of Peter Valdo, a rich merchant of Lione, who abandoned his wealth and worldly goods to preach his interpretation of the teachings of Christ.   His followers, numbering in the thousands, did the same.

The Valdese did not accept the papacy and the ecclesiastical hierarchy, refused the concept of purgatory, indulgences, and the Immaculate Conception.

In 1179, Peter Valdo and his followers, requested permission from the Church to publicly preach their interpretation.  Request was denied.  The Church gave authority to publicly communicate the teachings of Christ to legitimate members, priests, cardinals, and bishops. Their vows empowered them with the appropriate wisdom and knowledge to accurately convene the teachings. 

The Valdese and their leader were considered heretics and excommunicated.  During the sixteenth century, officers of the Church were ordered by the Pope Pius V, to exterminate this group,  which led to a manhunt throughout Southern France, Italy and Germany, that lasted years.