Henry of Asti was a 14th-century Catholic prelate who served as the titular Latin patriarch of Constantinople and the bishop of Negroponte. Born in Asti around 1300, he became a prominent figure in the politics of Frankish Greece. He is most recognized for his role as the commander-in-chief of the first Smyrniote crusade. During this military campaign against the Turkish ruler Umur Beg, Henry led various naval and land forces, eventually losing his life during a religious service in İzmir in 1345.
Ecclesiastical career
As a high-ranking cleric, Henry managed complex diplomatic relations between the papacy and various factions in Greece. In 1341, he acted on papal orders to meet with representatives of the Catalan Grand Company. He later facilitated a strategic alliance between the Knights Hospitaler and the King of Cyprus. Because of his significant influence in the region, Pope Clement VI appointed him as a papal legate to lead the crusade against Smyrna.
Military leadership
Henry directed the crusade's operations, overseeing the capture of the Smyrna harbor and the restoration of its fortifications. He held authority over the Genoese fleet and worked to maintain peace in the Duchy of Athens. His leadership included organizing successful naval raids to secure supplies, which forced the besieging Ottoman forces to retreat from their positions near the citadel.
Death and veneration
The patriarch died on 17 January 1345 during an attempt to celebrate Mass in a church located between the Christian and Turkish lines. While many escaped to the safety of the harbor, Henry was killed during an attack by the forces of Umur Beg. He is recognized as a blessed in the Catholic tradition, with his feast day observed on 17 January.