Pacificus

Pacificus was a disciple of St. Francis of Assisi, born probably near Ascoli, Italy, in the second half of the twelfth century; died, it is thought, at Lens, France, around 1234. He is said to be a favorite friend of St. Francis and believed to have retouched some of St. Francis words to refine the poetic composition and to set it into music . He was tasked by St. Francis to teach the Canticle to his gifted companions and how to communicate in the manner of "jesterly communication". He is thought to have composed the earliest extant poem in vernacular Italian in his ode to the Emperor Henry VI .

Poet Laureate- Rex versuum- King of Verses At an earlier time, his earlier life and identification was unsure, but what was sure was that he was called the King of Verses ("Rex versuum") Before becoming Friar Minor (Franciscan) he had been poet laureate at the Court of Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor.

St. Francis encouraged Brother Pacificus to use his art in the service of God. he asked him to improvise on his Canticles and set them into rhythm He was deeply impressed by this vision. Later, he also saw the multicolored Tau, a symbol of the cross, on the forehead of St. Francis. William asked to be received into the new order. St. Francis gladly complied, giving him the name of "Pacificus".

The Vision at San Pietro in Bovara Giotto - Legend of St Francis - -09- - Vision of the Thrones

In the Speculum perfectionis, attributed to Brother Leo, Pacificus is said to have experienced a vision at San Pietro in Bovara of Francis in heaven. .

Singing for Peace While at San Damiano, Brother Pacificus was sent out to preach along with the other brothers, most likely as leader of the "Lord's Jesters", a group of singing friars. When a quarrel erupted between the local bishop and the municipality, Brother Pacificus and his singing band of brothers were summoned and was able to bring peace thru their singing .

Introduced Friars Minor into France St. Francis himself wanted to bring the order to France, his plans were interrupted . Francis summoned Brother Pacificus and sent him, with other friars, to France, this being a part of a pattern wherein he has sent brothers into the different parts of the world top preach the word of God. In 1217 he was sent to France, settling first at St. Denis , where he is said to have become the founder, and first provincial, of the Friars Minor.

In the Spring of 1226 Pacificus witnessed the holy "Stigmata of St. Francis". The last certain date in the life of Brother Pacificus is that of the papal bull, 12 August 1227, in which Pope Gregory IX recommends the Poor Clares of Siena to Pacificus' care. Cf "Magna sicut dicitur", 1227 (Bullarium Franciscanum volume I, 33–34)

Return to France Pacificus was sent back to France, where he later died.

It has long been mooted that Pacificus' poetic abilities were put to use turning Saint Francis' songs into verse, however there is no evidence to support this.