Saint Francis of Assisi Saint Francis of Assisi was born in Assisi, Italy, in 1182. Francis was originally named Giovanni Francesco Bernardone, and never received a formal education. Instead, as the son of a wealthy merchant, Francis led a worldly and carefree life. He found his way into a battle between Assisi and Perugia, and was captured and held as a prisoner for over a year. While a prisoner, Francis developed a severe illness. It was during this ilness that Francis decided to alter his way of life. When well enough, Francis returned to Assisi. He performed charities among the less fortunate and restored damaged churches.