One of the most venerated religious figures in history, St. Francis was arguably the most dedicated friar to imitate the life and carry out the work of Christ, in Christ's way. He and his followers, believing that absolute personal and corporate poverty was the essential lifestyle for the members of his order, celebrated and venerated poverty. St. Francis believed that nature itself was the mirror of God. He called all creatures his brothers and sisters. He declared himself no friend of Christ if he did not cherish those for whom Christ died.