Editing 1209 (section)

==== Religion ====
* [[February 24]] &ndash; The [[Franciscans|Franciscan Order]] is founded by the Italian priest [[Francis of Assisi]]. He and 11 of his followers journey to [[Rome]] where he receives approval of his rule from [[Pope Innocent III]]. Franciscan friars can not own any possessions of any kind. They wander and preach among the people, helping the poor and the sick. They support themselves by working and by begging for food, but they are forbidden to accept money either for work or as alms. The Franciscans work at first in [[Umbria]] and then in the rest of Italy. The impact of these street preachers and especially of their founder is immense, so that within 10 years they number some 5,000 followers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06208a.htm|title=CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Rule of Saint Francis|website=www.newadvent.org|access-date=2020-04-19}}</ref>
* [[October 21]] &ndash; Innocent III crowns [[Otto IV, Holy Roman Emperor|Otto IV]] as emperor of the [[Holy Roman Empire]] in [[Old St. Peter's Basilica|St. Peter's Basilica]] at [[Rome]].<ref>Hywel Williams (2005). ''Cassell's Chronology of World History'', p. 133. {{ISBN|0-304-35730-8}}.</ref></onlyinclude>