The origins of the Franciscan spiritual heritage date back to Saint Francis of Assisi (1182-1226), over 800 years ago: a simple and poor man whom history probably recognizes as the clearest imitation of Christ. Saint Francis of Assisi followed so closely in the footsteps of Jesus of Nazareth and loved humanity and creation so much that he is known today as "the universal saint."
Saint Francis founded the Order of Friars Minor (i.e. "little brothers") and gave them a rule of life. He also collaborated with Saint Clare of Assisi in the founding of the Poor Clares nuns and founded the Secular Franciscan Order for those who remained in the family and wanted to have their lives inspired by Franciscan spirituality. In his youth he lives dissolutely, having fun and squandering the family's money, in fact with his friends he only thinks of having fun. After a war between Perugia and Assisi, he decides to completely change his existence, abandoning entertainment and leisure and giving life a profound meaning: helping the poor, the sick and the weak. He presents himself to his father and publicly gives him the clothes of a rich merchant and dresses in a poor garment; he wants to return to his natural state without visible wealth. He then founded the Order of Friars Minor, authorized by two popes. This order is divided into conventual brothers and spiritual brothers. Francis, the patron saint of Italy, was canonized in 1228 by Pope Gregory IX.