Year of St. Francis

His Story

Early Life: From Wealth to Restlessness

Francis was born around 1181 in Assisi, the son of a wealthy cloth merchant. His birth name was Giovanni, but his father renamed him “Francesco” (“the Frenchman”) because of his love for French culture.

As a young man, Francis lived a carefree life—enjoying fine clothes, parties, and dreams of becoming a knight. But after being captured in a local war and later falling seriously ill, he began to question his life’s direction.

Spiritual Awakening

One of the defining moments of his life came when he prayed in the crumbling church of San Damiano. He heard a voice from the crucifix saying:

“Francis, rebuild my church, which you see is falling into ruin.”

At first, he took this literally—selling his father’s goods to repair churches. This angered his father, leading to a dramatic break: Francis publicly renounced his family’s wealth and even stripped off his fine clothes, choosing a life of poverty.

A Life of Poverty and Service

Francis began living as a poor man, caring for the sick—especially those with leprosy—and preaching a message of humility, peace, and joy. He attracted followers, and together they formed a simple brotherhood.

This became the foundation of the Franciscan Order, officially recognized by the Pope in 1209.

Love for Nature and Animals

Francis is especially remembered for his deep love of nature. He believed all creatures were brothers and sisters under God.

Famous stories include:

• Preaching to birds

• Taming a fierce wolf in the town of Gubbio

• Calling the sun, moon, and elements his “family”

His poem Canticle of the Sun celebrates the beauty of creation and is one of the earliest works of Italian literature.

Later Life and Stigmata

In 1224, while praying on a mountain, Francis is said to have received the stigmata—the wounds of Christ—making him the first recorded person in Christian history to bear them.

Death and Legacy

Francis died in 1226, back in Assisi. Just two years later, he was declared a saint by the Church.

Today, he is:

• The patron saint of animals and the environment

• A symbol of peace, humility, and care for the poor

The inspiration behind the name of Pope Francis

Why His Story Still Matters

Saint Francis’s life challenges ideas about wealth, power, and success. He showed that joy can come from simplicity, compassion, and connection—with people, nature, and the divine.