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The Order of Friars Minor, established by Saint Francis of Assisi in 1209, is a mendicant order emphasizing poverty, humility, and service to the marginalized. With branches like the Capuchins and Conventuals, Franciscans number over 14,000 globally, running schools, hospitals, and ecological initiatives inspired by Francis’ love for creation. Their brown habits and ascetic lifestyle embody their charism of simplicity, influencing Catholic spirituality across Latin America’s Catholic-majority nations and beyond. Their impact endures in festivals like Assisi’s Feast of St. Francis.