Francis of Assisi
Italian mystic and founder of the Franciscan Order, known for his radical devotion to poverty.
Chronology: 1182-06-24 – 1226-10-03
Origins & Early Life
Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone (c. 1181 – 3 October 1226), known as Francis of Assisi, was an Italian mystic, poet and Catholic friar who founded the religious order of the Franciscans. Born into a wealthy family in Assisi, Italy, he was inspired towards a life of poverty and religious devotion as a young man and began his efforts by repairing chapels and caring for the sick in his hometown. Soon after, he gathered a band of followers in the city who joined in his lifestyle, and following a journey to Rome to meet Pope Innocent III, he received approval for the foundation of the Order of Friars Minor, which is commonly known as the Franciscan Order.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
Under his leadership, the order rapidly increased in size. Notable events in his religious career include his meeting with Clare of Assisi, who founded the Second Order of St. Francis commonly known as the Poor Clares, his journey to Egypt in 1219 in an attempt to convert the sultan Al-Kamil and put an end to the conflict of the Fifth Crusade, and his arrangement of the first live nativity scene as part of the annual Christmas celebration in Greccio. According to Christian tradition, Francis displayed stigmata resembling the wounds on...
Enduring Legacy & Impact
The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.
Source: Wikipedia