# Franciscans approved (1209)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/1209-franciscans-approved
Location: Assisi, Italy
Themes: War

Pope Innocent III approves the rule of Francis of Assisi and his friars. At this point in the timeline (1209), the Bishop of Rome was Pope Innocent III (8 January 1198 – 16 July 1216).

## Why it matters
Franciscans approved mattered because it shaped the religious life of monks, nuns and orders who carried learning, prayer and charity through the centuries.

Pope at the time: [Pope Innocent III](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-innocent-iii)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Franciscans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franciscans)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Franciscans approved](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Franciscans+approved)
- [Wikipedia — Medieval Church (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Catholic_Church#Middle_Ages)