Regula non bullata

The Earlier Rule of 1221 is the first rule Francis formally drafted. Compared with the Rule of 1223 it is longer, more rhetorical and more theological. Alongside its legislative chapters Francis sets lengthy exhortations and scriptural quotations, and the text closes with a final prayer of thanksgiving.

It was never approved — partly because of its scarcely «canonical» style and its lack of an organic legislative structure, partly because of the sheer severity of the way of life it proposed. Even so, it preserves a vivid witness to the raw, primitive charism of the fraternity.