Dalle regole dei Padri alla Regola dei Frati Minori

The concept of a rule was not present in early monasticism, but became more precise until the 6th century, when the Master and Benedict used the term to refer to their normative writings. Even thereafter, the idea remained firmly rooted that, alongside a written rule, the living example of a pater (abbot), himself bound to the observance of the rule, was necessary. The 4th Lateran Council established that the approved rules, which could be chosen for a new foundation, were those of Benedict, Augustine and Basil. Francis in no way wished to derogate from the revelation of the Most High and obtained from Honorius III the confirmation of a new rule, which was however presented as already approved before the council. In it, the conviction that the rule should coincide with life is reaffirmed. Finally, it examines the concept of obedience as it emerges from the rule of the Friars Minor, as a web of relationships within which the friars’ life unfolds, not something imposed, but something freely chosen.