What is Saint Paul mostly known for?

St. Paul is one of the greatest saints of the early Church, most recognized for his conversion. Before being called by Christ, he was a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a fervent enemy of Christ. Paul’s conversion was a pure miracle of God’s grace. He is a perfect example of true conversion. He had dedicated himself to persecuting Christians but the moment he met Christ his life changed radically, instantly, and completely. When the Lord called him, he left behind his old ways and became a new person, fully willing to follow Christ and his teaching and precepts.

In commenting on St. Paul’s conversion, Pope Francis said that this conversion story affects all of us because we all “have hardness of heart,” just as Saul did and just like Saul, we are all called to conversion.