St. Clare of Assisi was an Italian saint born in 1194 in Assisi. She is best known for founding the Order of Poor Ladies, later known as the Poor Clares, which emphasized a life of poverty, prayer, and community. Inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, she dedicated her life to serving God and helping the poor. Clare's commitment to her faith led her to live in a convent, where she and her followers practiced a simple lifestyle. She became the first woman to write a rule of life for a religious order, which was approved by Pope Innocent IV in 1253. Clare was canonized in 1255.