How did St. Francis of Assisi’s encounter with a man with leprosy shape his conversion?

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Bonaventura Berlinghieri: St. Francis and Scenes from His Life — St. Francis of Assisi *St. Francis and Scenes from His Life*, tempera on panel by Bonaventura Berlinghieri, 1235; in the Church of San Francesco, Pescia, Italy.

St. Francis of Assisi’s encounter with a man with leprosy was a pivotal moment in his spiritual transformation. Although Francis had previously felt a deep sense of repugnance toward those suffering from the disease, he overcame this aversion by giving the man alms and kissing his hand.1

This act of compassion served as one of several key episodes that contributed to his conversion to an apostolic life of poverty and humility. By choosing to embrace and serve someone he had once found repulsive, Francis began to renounce his former worldly life and social status, ultimately leading him to dedicate himself entirely to God and the service of others.1