St Francis of Assisi died 800 years ago

St. Francis of Assisi died 800 years ago on October 3, 1226.

According to Stacja7, the saint lived for 44 years and suffered from severe illnesses that weakened his body toward the end of his life. He experienced a progressive eye disease, which modern doctors suggest may have been trachoma, a chronic infection that causes scarring and vision loss. He also suffered from a malaria-like illness, both of which may have been contracted during a trip to the East in 1219 near Damietta.

Due to his declining strength, Francis stepped down from leading his order in 1220. He sought help from the pope regarding the challenges facing the growing community and worked on a rule for the order, which the pope approved in 1223. During his final years, Francis moved to Greccio, where he created the first nativity scene.