19 The author of that golden book The Imitation of Christ describes St. Francis in a word when he calls him "humble." "For how much so ever each one is in thine eyes, O Lord, so much is he and no more, saith the humble St. Francis." ( Imitation of Christ , Book III, Chap. 50) In fact, it was the supreme wish of his heart to carry himself always with humility, as the least and last among men. Therefore, from the very beginning of his conversion, he ardently desired to be looked down upon and to be despised by all. Later on, although he became the Founder, the writer of their Rule, and the Father of the Friars Minor, he insisted that one of his followers should become the superior and master on whom even he was to depend. At the earliest possible moment, steeling himself against the prayers and wishes of his disciples, he desired to give up the supreme government of his Order "in order to practice the virtue of holy humility" and to remain "with her till death, living more humbly than any other friar." (Thomas of Celano, Legenda , Chap. II, No. 143)
Source: Rite Expiatis (Vatican.va)