Francis was born between December 1181 and September 1182 from Pietro di Bernardone of Moriconi, a rich cloth and spice merchant, and Lady Pica Bourlemont, a noble who called him Giovanni (John).
According to the legend, Giovanni (Francis) had been conceived while his middle-aged parents were on a journey to the Holy Land.
When Francis born his father was in France for business so, when he came back, he changed his son's name to Francesco (Francis), the name with which he has been, and is, generally and commonly known.
The young Francis studied Latin and vernacular, music and poetry.
His father taught him French and Provençal.
Of course, Pietro Bernardone wanted to start his son off on a merchant's career, so Francis found himself adolescent working in his father's shop.
According to the legend, Giovanni (Francis) had been conceived while his middle-aged parents were on a journey to the Holy Land.
When Francis born his father was in France for business so, when he came back, he changed his son's name to Francesco (Francis), the name with which he has been, and is, generally and commonly known.
The young Francis studied Latin and vernacular, music and poetry.
His father taught him French and Provençal.
Of course, Pietro Bernardone wanted to start his son off on a merchant's career, so Francis found himself adolescent working in his father's shop.