Born: 24 June 1182 · Died: 3 October 1226 · Age: 44
Italian friar who gave up wealth to live in poverty, founded the Franciscan order and became the patron saint of animals
Did you know?He is the patron saint of animals and the environment, often depicted in art surrounded by birds and other creatures.
Quick facts
Date of birth24 June 1182
Date of death3 October 1226
Age at death44
NationalityItalian
BirthplaceAssisi, Italy
Occupationpoet, Catholic deacon, religious writer
Editor's Take:
Francis of Assisi gave up wealth to live in poverty and joy. He was the son of a rich cloth merchant and dreamed of glory as a knight. After illness and a spiritual crisis, he gave away his possessions, even the clothes he wore. He founded the Franciscan order of friars, who lived simply and preached to ordinary people. He loved all creation and is said to have preached to birds. His Canticle of the Sun praises Brother Sun and Sister Moon. He is the patron saint of animals and ecology.
Key Milestones
1205: Conversion – renounces wealth
1209: Franciscans – rule approved
1219: Egypt – meets the sultan
1223: Greccio – first Christmas crib
Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone (c. 1181 – 3 October 1226), known as Francis of Assisi, was an Italian mystic, poet and Catholic friar who founded the religious order of the Franciscans.
Francis of Assisi's birthday is June 24. He was born on June 24, 1182 in Assisi, Italy.
How old was Francis of Assisi when he died?
Francis of Assisi died on October 3, 1226, aged 44.
Who shares a birthday with Francis of Assisi?
Famous people who share Francis of Assisi's June 24 birthday include Lionel Messi, Claudia Sheinbaum, John of the Cross, Victor Francis Hess and Juan Manuel Fangio.
