Francesco e il sultano. Una storia ancora da scoprire

The article considers the context of the Fifth Crusade and the sources available on the meeting between Francis and the Sultan. Priority is given to contemporary sources, mostly observers present at the Crusade, who offer indications about the meeting. An examination of the hagiographic texts, first of all the Bull of canonization of Francis, reveals a certain embarrassment in presenting (or keeping silent) the episode. Only with Bonaventure's Legenda major does the encounter between Francis and the Sultan take on dramatic and conflictual tones and acquire a secure place in the hagiography and iconography of Francis of Assisi (Giotto).