The life of St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) as related by followers who gather after his death to tell stories so that Leone can record them: a privileged and virile youth, a prisoner of war, an heir who turns away from his father and gives all to the poor, a beggar for others, and an inspiration to friends who accept the Gospels' life of poverty.
- Genre: Drama, History
- Studio: Karol Film, Istituto Luce Cinecittà, RAI, Royal Film, Ital-Noleggio Cinematografico
- Keyword: christianity, religion, saint, woman director, 13th century, 12th century, saint francis of assisi, christian film
- Cast: Mickey Rourke, Helena Bonham Carter, Andréa Ferréol, Nikolaus Dutsch, Peter Berling, Hanns Zischler