The Franciscans in the Middle Ages

Wide-ranging history of the Franciscan Order in the Middle Ages, examining its growth and impact on society. St Francis of Assisi is one of the most admired figures of the Middle Ages - and one of the most important in the Christian church, modelling his life on the literal observance of the Gospel and recovering an emphasis on the poverty experienced by Jesus Christ. From 1217 Francis sent communities of friars throughout Christendom and launched missions to several countries, including India a