One of the few saints who are highly revered even outside of Christianity is Saint Francis, known in German-speaking countries as Francis of Assisi. Francis was born in Assisi in 1181/82 and died in 1226. In his youth, as the son of wealthy parents, he was rather a bon vivant, but later he turned to Christ. In the semi-ruined church of San Damiano, located on a hillside outside the city walls of Assisi, he was praying one day when he heard the voice of Christ from the cross, calling him to "rebuild his church." Initially, he took this request literally and restored the church building, but later he came to realize that it was primarily about the Church as the community of believers.
Francis became a role model for many people, who joined him, and the Order of Friars Minor (Ordo Fratrum Minorum) of Francis of Assisi was founded. Today, the large Franciscan order comprises three male branches: the Franciscans, the Friars Minor, and the Capuchins; and two female branches: the Franciscan nuns and the Poor Clares. In addition, there is the "Third" or "Secular" Order, to which women and men can join who do not take the traditional religious vows (poverty, chastity, and obedience) and who continue to live in their families and professions.