Pope Gregory IX: The Father Of The Whole World

When blessed Francis saw the faith and love of the Lord Bishop of Ostia for the friars, he was drawn still closer to him in the bond of affection. By a divine revelation blessed Francis knew that the Bishop would become Pope, and in his letters he always addressed him: "To the venerable Bishop in Christ, the father of the whole world." This prophesy was verified shortly afterwards, for on the death of Pope Honorius III, the Lord Bishop of Ostia was elected sovereign Pontiff under the name of Gregory IX. From that day on he was the great benefactor and defender of the friars and of other religious, and above all Christ's poor, for which reason he is believed to be a saint.