Mystery Meeting: The Curious Tale of David Reubeni and the Pope

Exactly 500 years ago, in 1524, a Jewish man was granted an audience with Pope Clement VII in Rome. The Pope had never before spoken to a Jew, much less granted one an audience, and even eminent cardinals couldn't enter his presence at will. Who was this Jewish man, and what did he want from the Pope?

The mysterious figure called himself 'David Reubeni'. That same year, he disembarked from his ship at the port of Venice and introduced himself to the city's Jews: "I am David, son of the late King Solomon, of blessed memory. My brother, the great king, sits on his royal throne in the Habor Desert and reigns over 300,000 people, including the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and half of Manasseh." Presenting himself as a representative of a grand kingdom, he requested a meeting with the Pope, using what seemed to be significant influence to reach him.

Historians later questioned his accounts. Some speculated that he might have been Ashkenazi, others suggested Indian, Ethiopian, or Yemeni origins. However, he portrayed himself as an envoy from a vast Jewish kingdom of the Ten Lost Tribes with a large army.

David Reubeni proposed to the Pope the use of his alleged Jewish army to jointly conquer the Land of Israel from the Muslim Turks. The Pope was impressed and provided David with letters to the King of Portugal and the Emperor of Ethiopia to establish a military alliance.

David sent an introductory letter to the King of Portugal, stating:

"His Most Noble Highness, the illustrious King of Portugal, greetings. I write solely to inform Your Majesty of my arrival in your sacred and noble land, sent here by command of my brother King Joseph and his sixty elders, his advisors and judges, who all submit to Your Majesty's authority. King Joseph [my brother] commands close to 300,000 valiant fighters, engaged in justice and righteousness every Monday and Thursday. With the consent of King Joseph and his seventy advisors, I have been dispatched to serve you, to communicate matters of importance and secrecy which Your Majesty will be glad to hear, as it will bring honor and glory to Your Majesty. Be assured that your servant is always prepared to serve Your Majesty's holiness."

Impressed by David, the King of Portugal initially provided him with eight military ships fully equipped. However, the King later feared that David's true intent was not a military alliance but to incite the Jews and converts in Portugal to revert to their ancient faith. Consequently, David was expelled from Portugal.

Reubeni returned to Rome and attempted to meet with Emperor Charles V, but a special council of Christian scholars in Venice deemed him insane, thereby discrediting his stories. He was sent to Llerena, under Spanish control, where he was executed by the Spanish Inquisition.