Rule of Saint Francis
Quick Summary
The Franciscan order was founded by St. Francis of Assisi in the early 13th century. The initial rule of life for Franciscans emphasized complete poverty, with no possessions, and a life of wandering, preaching, and helping the poor and sick. They supported themselves by working and begging for food, but were forbidden to accept money. This rule was approved by Pope Innocent III in 1210. St. Clare of Assisi, inspired by St. Francis, founded the Poor Clares for women, and St. Bonaventure later helped to moderate the rule as the order grew.123
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