to leave Rome (end of April, 1225).

After passing a few weeks at Tivoli, he established himself at Rieti, where he remained until the end of 1226.[10] The pope's arrival had drawn to this city, with the entire pontifical court, several physicians of renown; Cardinal Ugolini, who had come in the pope's train, hearing of Francis's malady, summoned him to Rieti for treatment.

But notwithstanding Brother Elias's entreaties Francis hesitated a long time as to accepting the invitation.[11] It seemed to him that a sick man has but one thing to do; place himself purely and simply in the hands of the heavenly Father.

What is pain to a soul that is fixed in God![12] Elias, however, at last overcame his objections, and the journey was determined upon, but first Francis desired to go and take leave of Clara, and enjoy a little rest near her.
He remained at St.Damian much longer than he had proposed to do[13] (end of July to beginning of September, 1225).

His arrival at this beloved monastery was marked by a terrible aggravation of his malady.
For fifteen days he was so completely blind that he could not even distinguish light.