Why would the rule of St. Francis be so attractive to thousands of men and women throughout medieval Europe?

Saint Francis of Assissi had a personal experience with God, resulting in his conversion, salvation and a life devoted to serving God and the people in a different way from the traditional church. He practiced what Jesus taught in the Scriptures, in simplicity and sincerity, and he expected that his fellow disciples did the same to spread the gospel. This had a tremendous impact on people's lives.