One day, Francis encountered a leper on the road. Although he felt great fear of this disease, he decided to approach the man, embrace him, and help him. He would later say that what once felt bitter to him had turned into sweetness for his soul. 

Shortly after, while praying before the crucifix in the church of San Damiano, he heard a voice say to him: "Francis, repair my Church." From that moment began a journey of conversion that would completely transform his life and the life of the Church.