Which Italian saint founded the Franciscan Order in the early 13th century?

Saint Francis of Assisi founded the Franciscan Order in the early 13th century.

Born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone around 1181 or 1182 in Assisi, Francis was the son of a prosperous cloth merchant. After a period of illness and spiritual change, he rejected a wealthy lifestyle and embraced poverty, preaching, service, and care for creation.

His followers became the Order of Friars Minor, commonly called the Franciscans. Francis also helped inspire the Poor Clares, a contemplative order associated with Saint Clare of Assisi. His movement grew rapidly and received approval from Pope Innocent III in 1209, followed by formal papal approval in 1223.

Francis is associated with humility, peace, and love of animals, although popular stories sometimes simplify his historical image. He died in 1226 and was canonized by Pope Gregory IX in 1228. His feast day is October 4, and Pope Francis chose his papal name in reference to him.