Saint Francis of Assisi (1181/1182 – October 3rd, 1226) born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone andinformally named as Francesco, was a Catholic preacher. Francis came from a wealthy family and fought as a soldier for Assisi. While he was participating in a war, he received a vision to return to Assisi. He lost a desire for worldly things and eventually joined the beggars and preached about the teachings of God. He also led the building of a church in San Damiano. He is the founder of the Franciscan orders. Asides from his empathy for the poor, Francis is also known to be a nature-lover.