Perhaps the most famous story of Saint Francis is when he tamed the wolf that was terrorizing the people of Gubbio. While Francis was staying in that town he learned of a wolf so ravenous that it was not only killing and eating animals, but people, too. The people took up arms and went after it, but those who encountered the wolf perished at its sharp teeth. Villagers became afraid to leave the city walls.

Francis had pity on the people and decided to go out
and meet the wolf. He was desperately warned by the
people, but he insisted that God would take care of
him. A brave friar and several peasants accompanied
Francis outside the city gate. But soon the peasants
lost heart and said they would go no farther.

Then Francis called out the creature: "Come to me,
Brother Wolf. In the name of Christ, I order you not to
hurt anyone." At that moment the wolf lowered its
head and lay down at St. Francis' feet, meek as a lamb.

Saint Francis explained to the wolf that he had been
terrorizing the people, killing not only irrational
creatures, but humans who are made in the image of
God. "Brother Wolf," said Francis, "I want to make
peace between you and the people of Gubbio. They
will harm you no more and you must no longer harm
them. All past crimes are to be forgiven."

The wolf showed its assent by moving its body and
nodding its head. Then to the absolute surprise of the
gathering crowd, Francis asked the wolf to make a
pledge. As Saint Francis extended his hand to receive the
pledge, so the wolf extended its front paw and placed
it into the saint's hand. Then Francis commanded the
wolf to follow him into town to make a peace pact
with the townspeople. The wolf meekly followed Saint Francis.

By the time they got to the town square, everyone was
there to witness the miracle. With the wolf at his side,
Francis gave the town a sermon on the wondrous and
fearful love of God, calling them to repent from all
their sins. Then he offered the townspeople peace, on
behalf of the wolf. The townspeople promised in a
loud voice to feed the wolf. Then Francis asked the
wolf if he would live in peace under those terms. He
bowed his head and twisted his body in a way that
convinced everyone he accepted the pact. Then once
again the wolf placed its paw in Francis' hand as a
sign of the pact.

From that day on the people kept the pact they had
made. The wolf lived for two years among the
townspeople, going from door to door for food. It hurt
no one and no one hurt it. Even the dogs did not bark
at it. When the wolf finally died of old age, the people
of Gubbio were sad. The wolf's peaceful ways had
been a living reminder to them of the wonders,
patience, virtues and holiness of Saint Francis. It had
been a living symbol of the power and providence of
the living God.