The Middle Ages for Kids - Church Reform - Church Councils & Religious Beggars Illustration

Middle Ages for Kids
Wandering Monks
(Religious Beggars)

The Catholic Church was criticized for accumulating so much wealth. To combat this view, the Pope created Friars. Friars were monks who went from place to place begging for food and shelter. This was supposed to show that the vow of poverty was important to the church. A very famous friar was Francis of Assisi. Another famous but factious (and probably fictional) Friar was Friar Tuck of Robin Hood fame.

Almost everyone welcomed the wandering Friars. The Friars brought company. Feeding and sheltering them was an easy penance, and they could read (very unusual during medieval times). Friars also were a way to spread the news.

Interactive Quiz about the Middle Ages (with answers)