Saint Francis of Assisi, born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in 1181/1182, is one of the most venerated saints in Christianity. His story is an example of radical conversion and dedication to God. After a comfortable youth, he renounced all material possessions to embrace a life of poverty, prayer and service to the poor and marginalized.
Founder of the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans), his spirituality was based on the imitation of Christ, love for creation, and peace. He is famous for the "Canticle of the Creatures", a hymn to the beauty of creation, and for having received the stigmata, the signs of Christ's passion.
The veneration of Saint Francis is universal. He is the patron saint of Italy, animals, ecology, and merchants. His figure inspires millions of people for his humility, charity and his message of brotherhood and harmony with nature. His tomb in Assisi is a pilgrimage destination for faithful from all over the world.