Death of Francis of Assisi

Francis of Assisi died on 3 October 1226 in Portiuncula, aged 44. An Italian friar and preacher, Francis was the founder of the Franciscan order. Born into a wealthy merchant family in Assisi, he gave up his inheritance to live in poverty, caring for lepers and preaching simplicity, humility and love of creation. He is traditionally credited with the Canticle of the Sun and with the first nativity scene, at Greccio, and with receiving the stigmata late in his life. His order spread quickly across Europe, and he was canonized soon after his death. He is the patron saint of animals and the environment.

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