San Francisco de Asís, also known as Saint Francis of Assisi, was an Italian friar and preacher born in 1181. He is the founder of the Franciscan Order, which emphasizes a life of poverty, humility, and love for all living things. Saint Francis is widely recognized for his deep connection to nature and animals, often depicted preaching to birds and other creatures. He is the patron saint of animals and the environment, celebrated for his teachings on compassion and stewardship of the earth. His feast day is observed on October 4th, and he is venerated in various Christian denominations, including the Catholic Church.