Exploring Francis
St. Francis (originally born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, ca.1181–3 October 1226) was an Italian friar, religious reformer, and one of the most influential figures of the Middle Ages. In the early 1200s, he experience a religious awakening and began living a life of piety and devotion to monastic ideals, imitating Christ's life. He even received the stigmata - wounds like those Christ received upon his Crucifixion - further connecting his life and aspirations to Christian ideals.
In 1209, he established the Franciscan Order, which placed emphasis on prayer, humility, poverty, and a nature-centered faith, countering the corruption and materialism that had permeated the Church by that time. Pope Innocent III approved this new Order, which soon became one of the most popular and dynamic Christian movements in Western Europe.
Francis is celebrated not only for his religious piety and ascetic practices, but also for his writing. He composed the earliest work of Italian vernacular literature - the Canticle of the Creatures (ca.1224). He is also celebrated as a patron saint of ecology for his care of animals and appreciation of nature, which are aspects often emphasized in writings and representations of the saint.
He has been the subject of numerous works of art by late medieval and Renaissance artists, including Giotto. In most representations, the emphasis has been on Francis's simple monastic life, his stigmata, and key moments from his life and miracles. He was canonized soon after his death in 1228.
A future issue of Medieval World: Culture & Conflict will look in depth at the life, context, and legacy of St. Francis. We are currently accepting submissions for this theme. If you would like to propose a contribution or know of a scholar whose work focuses on St. Francis or the Franciscan Order, contact us via this form or at alice@karwansaraypublishers.com.