Brother Sun, Sister Moon

After being wounded and ill, Francesco returns to Assisi and is tormented by memories of his boisterous youth. The long recovery becomes a period of introspection, during which he senses a call from God. He begins to see poverty, chastity, and obedience as paths to renewal.

As he recovers, Francesco retreats into nature, flowers, trees, and poetry surround him, and he grows wary of his former lifestyle. He feels revulsion toward his father Pietro's obsession with gold. This inner conflict strains their relationship as he questions his family's wealth.

Francesco discovers the dye vats and the workers laboring in heat, feeling the oppressive weight of his father's business. He refuses to take over and instead helps the laborers outside, tossing textiles down to the poor. Pietro beats him and drags him to the bishop, humiliating him in front of the town. Francesco renounces all worldly possessions, sheds his clothes, and leaves Assisi to seek a life of poverty.

Lovingly, Francesco renounces his family's wealth and the name Bernardone, stripping away his clothes and stepping into the world as an ascetic. He rejects his middle-class life to live among nature as a man of God. He travels away from Assisi to seek a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

The ruins of the chapel of San Damiano become Francesco's holy place as he hears a divine voice telling him to "restore my church." He begins to beg for stones to rebuild the church and to perform works of mercy. Some of Francesco's friends join his cause, drawn by a shared awakening.

Among Francesco's early supporters, some of the wealthy youths from noble families join, contributing resources and prestige to the cause. They begin ministering among the poor alongside the brothers. The growing following alarms the town's nobility, who worry about moral disruption and social upheaval.

Francesco's friend Bernardo returns from the Fourth Crusade and decides to stay with him. Bernardo's presence strengthens the fledgling order as they commit fully to poverty and service.

Clare, a noblewoman who shares Francesco's ideals, begins tending to lepers and joins the brotherly community. Her presence broadens the movement's compassionate reach and offers a female perspective.

The local nobility and wealthy merchants protest Francesco's new way of life, fearing it will corrupt their youth. They pressure Paolo to stop the "minor brothers" from spreading. The conflict signals a deeper clash between wealth and spiritual renewal in the town.

The rebuilt church is set on fire and one follower is killed, leaving Francesco to blame himself and seek answers beyond his borders. He travels to Rome in search of guidance from Pope Innocent III.

In the papal court, Francesco boldly protests the Church's wealth and pomp, reciting Jesus' teachings to illustrate a different path. He and his friends are expelled from the court, while Paolo chooses to join them. The moment marks a turning point in his relationship with the Church.

Pope Innocent III, moved by Francesco's sincerity, returns them to the order and acknowledges the church's past excesses. He admits his own youthful idealism and recognizes the need for reform that aligns with the Gospel. He kneels, kisses Francesco's feet, and blesses him, granting permission to found the holy order.

The pope's blessing signals a new beginning for Francesco and his companions, though one cardinal hints at ongoing skepticism about the Pope's decision. Francesco then walks alone into the countryside as the title song plays, embracing a life of simplicity and service.