The power of God caused the wolf to slow down and to close its mouth. In the name of Christ, I order you not to hurt anyone. At that moment the wolf lowered its head and lay down at St. Francis' feet, meek as a lamb. St. Francis explained to the wolf that he had been terrorizing the people, killing not only irrational creatures, but humans who are made in the image of God. They will harm you no more and you must no longer harm them.
All past crimes are to be forgiven.
The wolf showed its assent by moving its body and nodding its head. Then to the absolute surprise of the gathering crowd, Francis asked the wolf to make a pledge. As St. Francis extended his hand to receive the pledge, so the wolf extended its front paw and placed it into the saint's hand. Then Francis commanded the wolf to follow him into town to make a peace pact with the townspeople. The wolf meekly followed St. Francis.