Giulio Basetti-Sani

Giulio Basetti-Sani, OFM (6 January 1912 — 24 March 2001), born Francesco Silvestro Federigo Basetti-Sani, was an Italian Franciscan friar, missionary, and Islamicist. After his religious formation in Italy, he was sent to Egypt for a period of formation as a missionary. After returning to Europe for additional study, he was assigned to Egypt again to serve in various Franciscan missions. Basetti-Sani's commitment to ecumenism and interfaith dialogue with Muslims led to severe tension in his community, ultimately leading to his excommunication and expulsion from the Franciscans. The excommunication was later rescinded and he was readmitted to the order, teaching and writing extensively on Islam and Christianity until his death in 2001.