Regula primitiva

work by Francis of Assisi

Also known as: “Primitive Rule”

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

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The Regula primitiva was the initial rule of life for the Franciscans, established by St. Francis of Assisi in the 13th century. This rule emphasized a life of poverty, with no possessions, and a commitment to wandering, preaching, and aiding the poor and sick. Followers were to support themselves through work and begging for food, explicitly without accepting money. St. Francis of Assisi, an Italian friar, founded the Franciscan order, which grew to become the largest religious order in the world. He was canonized as a saint in 1228.12

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St. Francis of Assisi
The Franciscan rule of St. Francis of Assisi
…friars, a simple rule (Regula primitiva, “Primitive Rule”) drawn from passages in the Bible: “To follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and to walk in his footsteps.” He then led the group of 12 disciples to Rome to seek the approval of Pope Innocent III, an important…
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…friars, a simple rule (Regula primitiva, “Primitive Rule”) drawn from passages in the Bible: “To follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and to walk in his footsteps.” He then led the group of 12 disciples to Rome to seek the approval of Pope Innocent III, an important…
Read More