16 Francis of Assisi as Apocalyptic Visionary

Abstract

This chapter talks about visionary figure of medieval Christianity who features in the reception history of the Apocalypse, St Francis of Assisi. It discusses the specific topic for discussion that might well be subtitled minor footnote on the reception history of Rev 1:9. The chapter begins with an unexpected and unique reference to il poverello in an obscure medieval commentary on the Apocalypse. Although interesting in its own right as a reception both of the biblical text and of the story of the saint, this connection between Francis and the Apocalypse raises interesting questions about the visionary saint's own apocalyptic credentials. The chapter offers it as a modest and tentative exploration in gratitude to a brilliant yet modest scholar whose contribution to our understanding of the apocalyptic tradition, and of the reception of biblical texts, has been truly ground-breaking. Keywords: apocalyptic tradition; Assisi; medieval Christianity