The most famous prayer attributed to St. Francis is the Prayer for Peace, asking the Lord to make us instruments of His peace. Although he was a soldier in his early days, after his conversion Francis became a man who sought peace.  

Francis lived in the time of the Crusades, and while he certainly wished for the Gospel of Christ to be victorious, he also desired to spread that message peacefully. 

In order to do this, Francis decided to go to the Middle East and meet with the Islamic Sultan, Malik al-Kamil. After three attempts, Francis, along with Brother Illuminato, was able to accomplish this in September 1219, during the Fifth Crusade. Francis left the Christian camp and entered the Muslim camp at Damietta, Egypt. He was originally captured and beaten by guards, but the Sultan welcomed him with unexpected courtesy. It is said that they met for three weeks, and that the Sultan listened to what Francis had to say. Francis, we are told, respected the Muslim call to prayer as well. This dialogue is a rare instance of interreligious talk in medieval times. 

Francis did not achieve his goal of converting the Sultan. However, the Sultan returned him safely to the Christian camp. Mutual respect was observed by both men. 

We believe, as Francis did, that Christianity contains the fullness of truth revealed by God through Christ. However, we also know that other religions hold parts of that truth, and this commonality can be a starting point for cooperation and even conversion. Our modern world does not combine religion with military might as it did in medieval times, so we no longer have to see others as enemies. Our example of true Christianity will do far more to bring peace than any weapon we can think of. 

This week, let us trust in God’s protection as Francis did, and seek to be instruments of His peace in a world still in need of it.