Which Catholic saint is the patron saint of animals and founded the Order of Friars Minor?

Francis of Assisi is the Catholic saint known as the patron saint of animals and founder of the Order of Friars Minor.

Born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone around 1181 or 1182, Francis renounced a wealthy life and embraced poverty, preaching, and service. His followers formed the Order of Friars Minor, commonly called the Franciscans, which received papal approval in 1209.

Francis is strongly associated with care for creation and is often shown preaching to birds or animals. His Canticle of the Sun praises God through elements of the natural world. These traditions explain his widespread association with animals and ecology.

Francis should not be confused with Saint Anthony of Padua, another famous Franciscan. Anthony joined the Franciscan movement later and became known especially as a preacher and teacher.