Saint Francis of Assisi Saint Francis of Assisi was born in Assisi, Italy, in 1182. Francis was originally named Giovanni Francesco Bernardone, and never received a formal education. Instead, as the son of a wealthy merchant, Francis led a worldly and carefree life. He found his way into a battle between Assisi and Perugia, and was captured and held as a prisoner for over a year. While a prisoner, Francis developed a severe illness. It was during this ilness that Francis decided to alter his way of life. When well enough, Francis returned to Assisi. He performed charities among the less fortuna