The Basilica of St Francis
The Franciscans
After the death of St. Francis, the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor split between the Spirituals (who sought a radical new interpretation of Saint Francis’ Rule and that soon became the heretical sect known as the Fraticelli, excommunicated by Pope John XXII in 1318) and the Conventuals (who, by definition, preferred to live together in convents, which by then had become a point of reference for the ever-growing population of towns). This first schism gave rise to many reforms within the Order.
The Observants were established in 1334: this body sought to follow the precepts of Saint Francis as closely as possible, in strict observance of Franciscan poverty. The relationship between Conventuals and Observants went through rough times: in 1446 Pope Eugene IV officially recognized the Observants and granted them full autonomy, thus implying his preference, later rebutted by Pope Sixtus IV who, instead, tried to favour the Conventuals. A solution was found in 1517 when the Conventuals, the Observants and all the reformed Franciscan orders were united by Pope Leo X in a single Order of Friars Minor. Subsequently a new reform was attempted with the growth of the Capuchin order, who took their name from the long hood they used to wear. As the Observants in the past, the Capuchins were true to the original Franciscan rule, which advocated a contemplative and more austere way of life, based on extreme poverty.
In addition to the Order of Friars Minor, also known as the First Order, a Second Order came into being: this was a religious order for women - the Poor Clares - founded by Saint Clare of Assisi. A Third Order was also established, formed by laymen and laywomen who did not take the vows of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience and who were not ordained, but simply lived in poverty and penitence, dedicating their lives to helping the sick and needy and following the example set by Saint Francis.
In 1289 Pope Nicholas IV approved this numerous group of believers authorising their institution and precious work with a Papal bull.
Today, as a result of the decisions made by Pope Leo XIII at the end of the nineteenth century, the Franciscans are finally divided into a First Order, comprising the Order of Friars Minor, Conventuals and Capuchins, a Second Order, namely the female order of the Poor Clares, and the Third Order which includes the Regulars and Seculars.