Francis of Assisi, St (1182–1226)

A 14th-century portrait of St Francis of Assisi and St Clare. Francis led a life of poverty and inspired others to do the same. He is also believed to have written the first poem in the Italian language, rather than in Latin. This was the ‘Canticle of the Sun’, which expressed religion for the masses. Stories of St Francis were collected after his death, and published in a volume The Little Flowers of St Francis.

Italian founder of the Roman Catholic Franciscan order of friars in 1209 and, with St Clare, of the Poor Clares in 1212. In 1224 he is said to have undergone a mystical experience during which he received the stigmata (five wounds of Jesus). Many stories are told of his ability to charm wild animals, and he is the patron saint of ecologists. His feast day is 4 October. He was canonized in 1228.

The son of a wealthy merchant, Francis changed his life after two dreams he had during an illness following spells of military service when he was in his early twenties. He resolved to follow literally the orders of the New Testament and live a life of poverty and service while preaching a simple form of the Christian Gospel. In 1219 he went to Egypt to convert the sultan, and lived for a month in his camp. Returning to Italy, he resigned his leadership of the friars.