What Is the Story Behind the San Damiano Cross?

This is the painted crucifix that became animated when Jesus told Francis of Assisi to rebuild his Church. Francis originally took Jesus’ words literally, attempting to rebuild the church where the crucifix was located. In time, however, he realized that Jesus meant helping to restore the Church at large, which he facilitated through the founding of the Franciscans.

For more on the images depicted on the San Damiano Cross, see this explanation.