St. Francis of Assisi, born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone (1181/1182 – 1226), is one of the most beloved and venerated saints in Christianity. Founder of the Order of Friars Minor, his life was a hymn to poverty, humility and love for all creatures.
His conversion, which took place after a carefree youth, led him to renounce all material possessions to follow Christ. His Rule, based on the imitation of evangelical life, attracted numerous followers, giving birth to a movement that revolutionized the Church.
St. Francis is the patron saint of Italy, animals, ecologists and merchants. His veneration is linked to his profound spirituality, his ability to communicate with nature and his tireless work for peace. He is remembered for the Canticle of the Creatures, a hymn to the beauty of creation, and for the stigmata, a sign of his profound union with Christ. His figure continues to inspire millions of people around the world, transcending religious boundaries.