The Divine Comedy: Paradiso Canto XI
The Song of St. Francis
The eleventh canto of Paradiso is largely devoted to the figure of St. Francis and has a symmetrical structure with respect to the twelfth. In Canto XI, the aforementioned friar is celebrated.
The Providence of God
The canto begins with a hymn to the providence of God, which governs the world with such profound wisdom that every created intelligence is overcome by it.
St. Francis's Life and Work
The poet then turns to the life and work of St. Francis, recounting his birth, his early years, and his eventual founding of the Franciscan Order. Dante praises Francis for his humility, his love of poverty, and his dedication to the service of God.
The Stigmata
In the middle of the canto, Dante describes the moment when Francis received the stigmata, the wounds of Christ that were miraculously imprinted on his body. This event is a powerful symbol of Francis's close relationship with God and his willingness to suffer for the sake of others.
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