St. Francis

A series of Christian reform movements arouse during the High Middle Ages. One of which was headed by St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1126). St. Francis, born in the merchant class, gave up his material life for one of asceticism, and dedication to God. When doctrine known as St. Francis's Rule was adopted by Christianity in 1223, the Pope made Franciscans a branch of Christendom. This Rule had several key characterizing points of Francism:

1. Loyalty and obedience to the Pope and those elected after him.

2. Christians should not argue with or judge others. They should be of peaceful nature, and 

    act with virtue. 

3. Franciscans should not accept monetary means or land. Those inflicted with illness, and      that need to be clothed be provided for through friends. 

4. Devotion to God through prayer and other actions is superior to all other calls of duty. 

5. Franciscans should not have any material possessions of their own including, house, or  

            land. 

6. Franciscans are strictly forbidden from any sort of suspicious conversation with women.