Life of St. Francis of Assisi

Born in 1181, Saint Francis was a Catholic friar who founded the Franciscan order and became the patron saint of animals and the environment. His transformative vision led him to abandon a military career for a life of spirituality. Recognized as the first Italian poet, he advocated for commoners to pray in their native dialect, choosing to write in Umbrian rather than Latin. His works are celebrated for both their literary merit and religious significance, and his feast day on October 4 includes ceremonies honoring animals.