In 1209, Francis of Assisi founded the Franciscan Order, officially known as the Order of Friars Minor, emphasizing a life of poverty, humility, and service to the poor. This movement sought to reform the Church and connect with the marginalized, promoting a return to the teachings of Christ. The Franciscans played a significant role in the spread of Christianity and the development of social services, influencing religious thought and practice throughout Europe.

The founding of the Franciscan Order in 1209, along with Francis of Assisi's poetic 'Canticle of the Sun,' inspired a wave of nature mysticism and vernacular religious poetry across Europe. This movement not only influenced later poets like John Milton and William Blake but also laid the groundwork for the Romantic movement, which celebrated the beauty of nature and the divine in everyday life.