Home > Facts > Biography Facts > St Francis of Assisi Facts

St Francis of Assisi Facts

St Francis of Assisi Facts
Saint Francis of Assisi was an Italian Catholic preacher, friar, and deacon, who became one of history's most venerated religious figures. He was born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in 1181 or 1182 in the Holy Roman Empire. His father was a silk merchant and his mother was a noblewoman from Provence. Before becoming a holy man he joined the military at the age of 19 and fought in a war. He was held prisoner for a year before being released.
Interesting St Francis of Assisi Facts:
Saint Francis of Assisi was inspired by Matthew 10.9 and began traveling and preaching repentance in poverty.
Within one year of traveling and preaching Saint Francis of Assisi had 11 followers, which is similar to the 12 Apostles.
The Pope Innocent III was not keen on supporting Francis and his followers until he had a dream about Francis supporting the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, which he took to mean that Francis supported the church.
Saint Francis of Assisi met St. Dominic at the Fourth Lateran Council.
Saint Francis of Assisi traveled to Muslim territory during the Fifth Crusade and preached to the Sultan. He challenged the people to a trial by fire but the Sultan did not agree to the challenge.
Saint Francis of Assisi received the stigmata during a fast that lasted 40 days.
Pope Gregory IX declared Francis a saint in 1228, two years after his death in 1226.
Saint Francis of Assisi's tomb was lost but was found again in 1818. It had been hidden by the Franciscans to protect from invaders.


Related Links:
Facts
Biography Facts
Animals Facts