Francis' extraordinary gift was his humility. I believe it was this gift which made him such an effective peacemaker. Francis fearlessly preached without compromise, but he preached with humility.

Though never ordained a priest, Francis was blessed with many spiritual gifts, particularly the stigmata — the wounds in the hands, feet, and side suffered by Christ on the Cross.

St. Francis was born to a wealthy cloth merchant. In his twenties, he took part in a war and was held prisoner for nearly a year. Shortly thereafter he had several experiences that shaped his conversion, and he renounced his worldly goods and family ties to embrace a life of poverty.

Francis of Assisi was a well known pious man who attracted the attention of those around him by how he lived. Saint Francis demonstrated Piety through fasting, poverty, his works, and in his interactions with others. But perhaps he is most well known for his love of the animals.