Monsignor Murphy, former Rector of the North American College in Rome, highlights the key markers of the life St. Francis of Assisi, his relevance in the Middle Ages and today particularly with regards to Pope Francis and his mode of evangelization. Francis’ abandonment of material goods and attachments is stark and certainly was a repulsive oddity to the establishment of clergy and civic leaders of his day including his own family. His rapprochement with the Sultan is the stuff legends are made of and yet his engagement in loving dialogue is a mode the current Pope Francis appears to emulate. St. Francis was not out to change doctrine but to energize the Church by reminding it of the Gospel message it professes to practice. This is worthy reading for anyone of principle regardless of religious confession or lack thereof. ( )