Christopher Columbus was an Italian sailor, voyager, and navigator. He was also a member of the Third Order of Saint Francis.

A Franciscan Tertiary is a member of the Secular Franciscan Order, a Catholic international public association whose members participate in the spirit of the Franciscan Order. They live an apostolic life and strive for Christian perfection under the guidance of the order. St. Francis of Assisi is considered the inspirer and founder of this order.