The order's hagiography and artistic tradition proclaimed Francis's good relations with three popes, Innocent III, Honorius III and Gregory IX. These claims were confirmed by the way in which the friars became instruments of papal reforms throughout Christendom. They emphasised the strength of the partnership between the popes and the friars.

Friars and papal strategy

The friars' preparation for their ministry made them a dedicated and efficient body of men, whose ecclesiology was marked by a strong fidelity to the Church and the pope as the successor of St Peter. Gregory IX and the succeeding popes played a central role in promoting and channelling the friars' ministry. Francis's close relations with the papacy are reflected in his presence at the death bed of Innocent III; his followers attended the dying Honorius III, Gregory IX and Innocent IV. The office of cardinal protector bound the order closely to the heart of the Church, and it was initially filled by men who held key positions in the Roman curia. This reciprocal relationship is reflected in the request of the curial cardinals that Francis should release a friar for each household. Friars were also drawn into episcopal households, serving as chaplains, confessors and theologians. While papal letters facilitated the geographical spread of the order, the popes looked to the order as a band of talented men capable of shouldering various missions.