Friends of St Francis
Your God is of your flesh, He lives in your nearest neighbour, in every man…
St Clare
St. Clare was deeply inspired by St. Francis, seeing in him a living example of the Gospel. Their friendship was rooted not in worldly interests, but in a shared love for Christ, prayer, poverty, and service. St Francis guided and encouraged Clare in her vocation, while Clare's faith, wisdom, and steadfast commitment strengthened the Franciscan movement. Together, they demonstrated how true friendship can help people grow in holiness and remain faithful to God's call.
Blessed Brother Jacoba
Beloved Roman friend, Giacoma Frangipane de Settesoli, also known as Lady or Brother Jacoba. She was born in Rome and married into the noble Frangipani family. Her beautiful handmade linens and the garment and shoes Lady Jacoba made for Francis are on display in the Lower Basilica along with other of Francis' artifacts. Brother Jacoba is an example of a woman who lived in the world but as a member of the Order of Penance (the lay Franciscans) did not hesitate to serve the poor and God’s people. She is buried in the crypt of the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, close to the tomb of the saint who inspired her and who loved her almond treats.
Cardinal Ugolino, Pope Gregory IX, 1227–1241
St. Francis shared an important relationship with Cardinal Ugolino, the future Pope Gregory IX. Their friendship grew from Ugolino’s strong support for Francis and his mission, especially in guiding and promoting the Franciscan movement. This collaboration ultimately led to the Church’s formal approval of the Rule of St. Francis and the continued growth of the Order. More historically, we can recognize that both Francis and Dominic enjoyed the patronage of Cardinal Ugolino ( Pope Gregory IX), who protected and supported their evangelical projects. Francis and Dominic needed the cardinal’s support, because the way of life of the friars was something novel and widely criticized at its inception.
Pope Honorius III, 1216–1227
Pope Honorius III formally approved the definitive Rule of the Franciscan Order on 29 November 1223, granting legitimacy and stability to Francis’s vision for his brothers. He respected Francis’s humility and commitment to Gospel poverty and obedience, affirming that the Friars Minor should live ‘without anything of one’s own.’ Although not personal friends, their relationship was warm and supportive, marked by collaboration and ecclesial trust. Honorius’s approval was historically significant because it allowed the Franciscan movement to grow within the Church’s canonical framework, ensuring its rapid expansion across Europe and safeguarding it from potential suppression or misunderstanding. This papal endorsement also strengthened the Order’s ability to preach, serve the poor, and maintain unity under Francis’s guidance.
Pope Innocent III, 1198–1216
Pope Innocent III was initially cautious about Francis and his fledgling movement but soon gave his support, approving Francis’s early Rule orally in 1209. He encouraged the growth of the Franciscan Order, and while the two were not close friends, their relationship was marked by collaboration and mutual trust.
Bishop Guido of Assisi
Bishop Guido is known to history as the man who covered the naked Francis with his episcopal cloak after the young man publicly renounced his inheritance. During St. Francis’s conversion, the local bishop played a pivotal role in his life. He provided support when Francis separated from his father, offered him both shelter and spiritual guidance, and affirmed his emerging vocation to renew the Church.
St. Dominic
St. Dominic, the founder of the Dominican Order, shared a remarkable bond with St. Francis. Tradition tells that Francis received a vision in Rome in which the Blessed Virgin presented two men who would help renew the Church and lead souls back to God. Francis recognized himself as one of them but did not know the other. The next day, he met St. Dominic in a church, and the two saints embraced as brothers, each recognizing the other as the companion shown in their visions. United by a common mission, they worked side by side to bring the Gospel to the world.
Servant of God, Count Orlando of Chiusi, Confessor, Third Order
A 13th-century Italian nobleman is renowned for donating the mountain of La Verna to Saint Francis of Assisi in 1213. Deeply moved by Francis’s preaching on poverty and detachment from worldly goods, he provided financial and moral support to the early Franciscan movement, helping to sustain the friars and their ministry.
Sultan Malik al-Kamil (Egypt)
In 1219, during the Fifth Crusade, St. Francis of Assisi crossed enemy lines to meet Sultan al-Malik al-Kamil of Egypt, seeking dialogue rather than confrontation. According to Franciscan tradition, the Sultan received him with courtesy, allowing Francis to preach and share his faith while treating him and his companion with respect. Though neither converted the other, their meeting became a powerful example of mutual respect, spiritual sincerity, and courage in engaging across faiths. This encounter not only inspired ongoing interreligious dialogue but also laid the foundation for the Franciscans’ special protection in Muslim-controlled lands, enabling them to maintain a Christian presence and care for holy sites even during times of conflict.
Franciscan Saints
Holiness in the Ordinary
St Anthony of Padua
St. Anthony of Padua was a Franciscan friar renowned for his deep love of Scripture, powerful preaching, and compassion for the poor. A gifted teacher and preacher, he used his learning not for prestige but to bring people back to Christ with clarity and gentleness. Known for defending the dignity of the vulnerable and calling out injustice, St. Anthony combined wisdom with humility and holiness. Today he is beloved as a saint close to everyday needs, reminding us that true knowledge flows from a heart rooted in prayer and love.
St. Veronica Giuliani
St. Veronica Giuliani was a Capuchin Poor Clare known for her deep mystical life, intense love for Christ, and complete surrender to God’s will. Through prayer, suffering, and obedience, she lived a hidden life marked by extraordinary spiritual experiences, all rooted in humility and trust.
St Leopold Mandic
St. Leopold Mandić was a Capuchin friar renowned for his humility, gentleness, and extraordinary gift of reconciliation. Though physically small and suffering from poor health, he spent hours daily hearing confessions, offering guidance, and bringing God’s mercy to countless souls. Known as the “Apostle of Confession,” he lived a quiet, prayerful life dedicated to healing hearts and restoring hope. St. Leopold Mandić shows that faithfulness, patience, and love in small, hidden acts can transform lives.
Padre Pio
Padre Pio was a Capuchin Franciscan priest known for his deep prayer, intense love for the Eucharist, and profound compassion for souls. Marked by suffering, including the stigmata, he lived a life of humility, obedience, and sacrifice, offering everything for the salvation of others. Through confession, spiritual guidance, and prayer, he led countless people back to God’s mercy. Padre Pio reminds us that holiness is born not from extraordinary experiences, but from faithful surrender to God each day.
St. Maximilian Kolbe
St. Maximilian Kolbe was a Franciscan friar and martyr whose life exemplified courage, charity, and unwavering faith. Known for his missionary zeal and devotion to the Immaculate Virgin Mary, he founded monasteries and publications to spread the Gospel. During World War II, he offered his life in place of another prisoner at Auschwitz, a profound act of love and sacrifice. St. Maximilian Kolbe’s witness reminds us that true holiness often calls for selfless love, courage in suffering, and total trust in God.
St. Catherine of Bologna
St. Catherine of Bologna was a Poor Clare nun, abbess, artist, and mystic whose life united deep prayer with creative beauty. Known for her humility, wisdom, and joy, she used her gifts in art and writing to glorify God while guiding her community with gentle leadership.
St. Colette of Corbie
St. Colette of Corbie was a reformer of the Poor Clares who revitalized the order with a strict observance of poverty, prayer, and contemplation. Known for her humility, courage, and devotion, she founded several monasteries across Europe, inspiring both nuns and laypeople to deeper fidelity to the Gospel. Driven by visions from St. Francis of Assisi, Colette was called to restore the original ideals of poverty and austerity to the Poor Clares, whose observance had become relaxed over time.
St. Agnes of Assisi
St. Agnes of Assisi, sister of St. Clare, was one of the first members of the Poor Clares and a steadfast companion in living radical poverty and devotion to God. Known for her humility, courage, and obedience, she helped St. Clare establish and spread the order, supporting a life of prayer, simplicity, and service.
The First Followers of St Francis
Early Franciscans at Assisi
Brother Bernard of Quintavalle
Brother Bernard was the first of St. Francis’s followers. Around 1208, he accompanied St. Francis to San Nicolò, where they opened the Bible three times at random to discern how God wished them to live. Each time, the passages they found related to the missions of the Evangelists, forming the foundation of the new Franciscan way of life. In response, Brother Bernard gave all his possessions to the poor and joined the small group that traveled with St. Francis to Rome around 1209 to seek papal approval for what would become the Franciscan Order. He died around 1245 and was buried in the right transept of the lower church of San Francesco.
Brother Peter Catanii (Peter de Cattaneo)
Brother Peter was part of the small group that traveled with St. Francis to Rome around 1209 to obtain papal approval for what would become the Franciscan Order. He later accompanied St. Francis on his mission to the Saracens at Damietta in 1219–1220. When St. Francis stepped back from the administration of the Order in 1220, he appointed Brother Peter as his Vicar. Brother Peter lived at the Portiuncula and died there in 1221. His monument can be found on the external left wall of the church.
Brother Giles (Blessed Egidius of Assisi)
He joined St. Francis on St. George’s Day in 1208, becoming his third follower, and accompanied him to Rome to secure papal approval for the Order. He died in 1262 and was beatified in 1777. Remembered as a revered figure, he embodies the early, radical spirit of the Franciscan way of life.
Brother Philip
Brother Philip was part of the small group that accompanied St. Francis to Rome around 1209 to obtain papal approval for what would become the Franciscan Order. In 1219–1220, during St. Francis’ absence at Damietta, he served as visitor to the Poor Ladies of San Damiano, securing privileges for them that St. Francis later disapproved of. He served in this role again from 1228 to 1246. Brother Philip died in Perugia around 1259.
Brother Moricus
A man named Moricus was part of the small group that accompanied St. Francis to Rome around 1209 to obtain papal approval for what would become the Franciscan Order.
Brother Sylvestor
Brother Sylvester, a canon of San Rufino, was already elderly when he joined St. Francis, becoming the first priest among his followers. He died around 1240 and was buried in the right transept of the lower church of San Francesco.
Brother Masseo
Brother Masseo joined St. Francis shortly after the early form of the Franciscan life received papal approval around 1208. He died in 1280 and was buried in the left transept of the lower church of San Francesco. An inscription near his tomb records that he was present with St. Francis when the Portiuncula Indulgence was granted by Pope Honorius III in Perugia in 1216.
Brother Leo
Brother Leo, likely born in Assisi, joined St. Francis shortly after the early form of the Franciscan life received papal approval around 1208, probably already as a priest. From about 1220, he served as St. Francis’s secretary and confessor and accompanied him on several pivotal moments: When St. Francis retired to Fonte Colombo to seek divine inspiration for the Regula Bullata in 1223. On Mount La Verna in 1224, when St. Francis received the stigmata. Receiving a personal blessing from St. Francis after the stigmatisation, which Leo later annotated. Receiving a letter from St. Francis, addressed affectionately as “Frate Pecorello di Dio” (Brother Little Sheep of God), ending with the memorable words: “And if you need and want to come to me for the sake of your soul or for some consolation, Leo, come.” Brother Leo was also one of the four brothers closest to St. Francis during his final illness.
Brother Rufino
Rufino—also recorded with the surnames Scifi, Cipii, or di Scipone di Ofreducio—appears to have been a cousin of St. Clare. He accompanied St. Francis on Mount La Verna in 1224, when Francis received the stigmata. Rufino was one of the four brothers closest to St. Francis during his final illness and was privileged to witness the wound in Francis’ side before his death.
Juniper
Brother Juniper joined St. Francis around 1210 and was sent to establish friary “places” in Gualdo Tadino and Viterbo. When St. Clare was dying in 1253, she drew great comfort from his preaching; the Legend of St. Clare describes him as “that excellent jester of the Lord.” He died in Rome in 1258 and was buried in the friars’ church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli.
Brother Angelo
Brother Angelo joined St. Francis shortly after the early form of the Franciscan life received papal approval around 1208. A priest, he shared a breviary with St. Francis and Brother Leo. He was one of the four brothers closest to St. Francis during his final illness. In 1246, Brothers Angelo, Leo, and Rufino submitted the material that was later compiled as the Legend of the Three Companions to the Minister General, which became an important source for later accounts of St. Francis. Brother Angelo and Brother Leo were also present at St. Clare’s death at San Damiano in 1253 and served on the commission for her canonisation. He died around 1258 and was buried in the left transept of the lower church of San Francesco. An inscription near his tomb reportedly noted that he had been a knight before joining the Order.