Saint Francis and the Canticle of the Creatures

Saint Francis of Assisi (1181/1182 - 1226) is one of the most important figures in Christian spirituality and Italian culture. Founder of the Franciscan Order, he is known for his deep love of nature and all living beings, which he called brothers and sisters. Because of this, he is recognized as the Patron Saint of ecology and a symbol of harmony between humanity and the natural world.

The Canticle of the Creatures, also known as the "Canticle of Brother Sun," is one of the earliest poetic texts written in the Italian vernacular. Composed around 1225, it expresses Francis' praise to God through all of creation, reflecting a deep sense of connection and reverence for nature.

Below, the text is presented in three versions: the original Umbrian vernacular, a modern Italian translation, and an English translation.

The Canticle of the Creatures

Volgare Umbro Modern Italian English
Altissimu, onnipotente bon Signore,
Tue so' le laude, la gloria e l'honore et onne benedictione.		 Altissimo, onnipotente buon Signore,
tue sono le lodi, la gloria, l'onore e ogni benedizione.		 Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,
Yours are the praises, the glory, the honor, and all blessing.
Ad Te solo, Altissimo, se confáno,
et nullu homo ène dignu te mentovare.		 A Te solo, Altissimo, si addicono,
e nessun uomo è degno di menzionarti.		 To You alone, Most High, do they belong,
and no human is worthy to mention Your name.
Laudato sie, mi' Signore, cum tucte le Tue creature,
spetialmente messor lo frate Sole...		 Lodato sii, mio Signore, con tutte le tue creature,
specialmente messer fratello Sole...		 Praise be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun...
Laudato si', mi' Signore, per sora Luna e le stelle... Lodato sii, mio Signore, per sorella Luna e le stelle... Praise be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars...
Laudato si', mi' Signore, per frate Vento
et per aere et nubilo et sereno et onne tempo...		 Lodato sii, mio Signore, per fratello Vento
e per l'aria, il nuvoloso, il sereno e ogni tempo...		 Praise be You, my Lord, through Brother Wind
and through the air, cloudy and serene, and every weather...
Laudato si', mi' Signore, per sor'Acqua... Lodato sii, mio Signore, per sorella Acqua... Praise be You, my Lord, through Sister Water...
Laudato si', mi' Signore, per frate Focu... Lodato sii, mio Signore, per fratello Fuoco... Praise be You, my Lord, through Brother Fire...
Laudato si', mi' Signore, per sora nostra matre Terra... Lodato sii, mio Signore, per nostra sorella madre Terra... Praise be You, my Lord, through our sister mother Earth...
Laudato si', mi' Signore, per quelli che perdonano per lo Tuo amore
et sostengono infirmitate et tribulatione. 		Lodato sii, mio Signore, per quelli che perdonano per il tuo amore
e sopportano infermità e tribolazione. 		Praise be You, my Lord, for those who forgive for Your love,
and who bear sickness and suffering.
Beati quelli che 'l sosterranno in pace,
ca da Te, Altissimo, sirano incoronati. 		Beati quelli che lo sopporteranno in pace,
poiché da Te, Altissimo, saranno incoronati. 		Blessed are those who endure in peace,
for by You, Most High, they shall be crowned.
Laudato si', mi' Signore, per sora nostra Morte corporale,
da la quale nullu homo vivente pò scappare. 		Lodato sii, mio Signore, per nostra sorella Morte corporale,
dalla quale nessun uomo vivente può fuggire. 		Praise be You, my Lord, through our sister Bodily Death,
from whom no living man can escape.
Guai a quelli che morrano ne le peccata mortali;
beati quelli che trovarpà ne le Tue santissime voluntati,
cha la morte secunda no 'l farrà male. 		Guai a quelli che moriranno nei peccati mortali;
beati quelli che si troveranno nella tua santissima volontà,
perché la morte seconda non farà loro male. 		Woe to those who die in mortal sin;
blessed are those who will be found in Your most holy will,
for the second death shall do them no harm.
Laudate et benedicete mi' Signore,
et rengratiate et serviateli cum grande humilitate. 		Lodate e benedite il mio Signore,
e ringraziatelo e servitelo con grande umiltà. 		Praise and bless my Lord,
and give Him thanks and serve Him with great humility.

🌍 Laudato si' – A Message for Our Common Home

In 2015, Pope Francis published the encyclical Laudato si', deeply inspired by the life and teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi. The document highlights the urgent need to care for our planet — "our common home" — emphasizing that environmental destruction, social inequality, and spiritual emptiness are interconnected issues.

Laudato si' invites everyone, regardless of faith or nationality, to embrace an "integral ecology": a vision where environmental, economic, social, and cultural dimensions are closely linked. The Pope urges humanity to shift from exploitation to stewardship, cultivating a spirit of gratitude, humility, and care.

Key themes include:

Laudato si' is not only a call to action but also a reflection on the beauty and interconnectedness of all life forms, urging humanity to rediscover its profound relationship with nature, with others, and with the Creator.

👉 You can read the full text of the encyclical here: Laudato si' – On Care for Our Common Home

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