“The name derives from ancient German and means “free”. He is the patron saint of Italy, but also of animals, merchants and “lupetti” of the Agesci. He is loved in the East and West and his name, Francesco, is among the most widespread in Italy and in Europe. Pope Gregory IX canonized him on July 16, 1228, only two years after his death. For this reason, the process of canonization was one of the fastest in the history of the Catholic Church. The Poverello of Assisi was also recognized by Pope Pius XII, as the “most Italian of the saints and holiest of the Italians” and on June 18, 1939 he proclaimed him the principal patron of Italy.”
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