The Friars Are Called Minors (Lesser Brothers)

When the bishop of Ostia, the protector and foremost champion of the Order, who was afterwards to become pope with the name of Gregory IX as Francis prophesied, asked him if he would allow his friars to be promoted to various offices in the Church, the saint replied, "My lord, my friars are called Minors so that they will never think of becoming superiors. If you want them to bear fruit in the Church, keep them strictly to their vocation and never let them take an office in the Church."

Saint Francis of Assisi
Bonaventure, Major Life
CHAPTER VI