Eight hundred years after the death of St. Francis of Assisi (1226–2026), his body has been made visible to us again―not as an object of curiosity, but as a tangible presence that speaks to us.
On February 21, 2026, the first public and extended exposition of the mortal remains of St. Francis began at the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi. The event is part of the 800th anniversary commemorating his passing.
On the morning of February 21, Francis’ sarcophagus was reopened in the crypt of the basilica. Those who witnessed the event included His Eminence Cardinal Ángel FERNÁNDEZ ARTIME, Pontifical Legate for the Papal Basilicas of Assisi; the Most Reverend Domenico SORRENTINO, Archbishop Emeritus of Assisi–Nocera Umbra–Gualdo Tadino, (currently Apostolic Administrator); members of the Conventual Franciscan community; friars from the various families of the First Order and the Third Order Regular; religious sisters, lay persons; and members of the faithful. The opening was carried out simply and soberly, without fanfare, in the awareness of being in the presence of a living memory that touches the very roots of the Franciscan vocation. Revealing what had been preserved for centuries was not an aesthetic act; it was above all an ecclesial one. It engaged faith, memory, and tradition, while making our charismatic inheritance visible.
At noon, in the Cimabue Hall of the Colle del Paradiso Conference Center, religious and civil authorities were officially informed of the opening of the exposition. The exhibition was conceived in 2023 by the Custos of Assisi, Friar Marco MORONI, with the support of Archbishop SORRENTINO and encouragement from Pope Francis. It was formally authorized and blessed by Pope Leo XIV as part of the special Jubilee Year marking the Eighth Centenary of St. Francis’ passing.
At 4:00 p.m., the case was solemnly moved from the crypt to the lower church of the basilica, where it was placed at the foot of the papal altar in an atmosphere of prayer and reflection. Carried with great reverence by four friars, the procession was joined by Cardinal FERNÁNDEZ ARTIME, the attending Ministers General, the Custos of the Sacred Convent, and the friars responsible for liturgical service. It was a moving moment, giving visible form to the entrustment of the saint to the veneration of the People of God.
Next, Cardinal FERNÁNDEZ ARTIME presided over Evening Prayer, which was broadcast live during “A Sua Immagine,” a TV program on Rai1, Italy’s national public broadcasting network. That evening, the Basilica hosted a musical performance by the Schola Cantorum of the London Oratory School. In Assisi, it was clear that an extraordinary time was beginning.
On February 22, at 11:00 a.m., in the upper church of the basilica, Cardinal FERNÁNDEZ ARTIME presided over a Mass to inaugurate the exposition, which was again broadcast on Rai1. This began a full program of Masses that will conclude with a closing Mass on March 22 at 5:00 p.m. Cardinal Matteo Maria ZUPPI, Archbishop of Bologna and President of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, will preside. The Ministers General of the Friars Minor, the Conventual Franciscans, and the Capuchins are expected to attend, along with the Minister General of the Third Order Regular (TOR) and other Major Superiors. Together, they will offer a visible sign of unity as the entire Franciscan family, in all its different expressions, gathers around its founder.
From February 22 to March 22, 2026, the faithful may venerate the remains of the body of St. Francis now preserved in a transparent reliquary case in the lower church of the basilica. Access to the exposition is free, but reservations are required. This is to ensure an atmosphere of order and meditation. There are two ways to visit: a personal, silent visit, or a visit guided by a friar, which includes a brief lesson on the faith and a renewal of baptismal promises. Attendance is exceeding expectations; nearly 400,000 reservations have been made so far. It is projected that 700,000 pilgrims may visit over the course of the exposition. Around eighty percent of them are from Italy. Significant numbers are arriving from the United States, Croatia, Slovakia, Brazil, France, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Jamaica, and Singapore. More than four hundred volunteers—members of more than sixty church and civic organizations, mostly women—are assisting the friars. Ninety religious are steadily engaged in service, with additional reinforcements arriving specifically for this event.
The exposition takes place during Lent. This is no minor detail. Lent reminds us that we are limited, fragile, dust. Francis’ body was slight in stature and marked by illness and hardship. Yet it speaks paradoxically in a culture that values appearances. It does not impress by grandeur or physical perfection, but by the coherence of his life and his radical commitment to the Gospel. For many, standing before his bones is a moment to rethink the meaning of their own life and faith.
The word that captures this is “evangelical”: “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit” (Jn 12:24). The exposition does not invite nostalgia; it calls for reflection. What remains of a life held back? What blossoms from a life freely given?
That we can celebrate this month of veneration today is the result of a long and carefully curated history. St. Francis died in 1226. In 1230, his body was placed in the new basilica and hidden with extraordinary protective measures to prevent theft. It remained hidden for centuries. On December 12, 1818, after weeks of excavations authorized by Pope Pius VII, the tomb was rediscovered. A crypt was constructed in the nineteenth century to allow for orderly veneration by the faithful.
In 1978, Pope Paul VI authorized an official scientific examination of the remains. Under the direction of Professor Nicolò Valentino MIANI, concrete data was obtained: Francis was slight in stature, approximately 1.57–1.58 meters (5 feet, two inches) in height. He had deformities in the bones of his feet consistent with prolonged suffering. On that occasion, his remains were placed in a sealed, climate-controlled case, with oxygen replaced by nitrogen to ensure long-term stability. Further examinations in 1994 and 2015 confirmed the effectiveness of the system and the good preservation of the remains. The 2026 exposition rests on this solid scientific foundation.
Preparation for this month of exposition has been extensive: reception structures have been built in the square, there is coordination between civil and religious authorities, and a civil protection plan has been implemented to suit the expected number of visitors. The Italian Region of Umbria is supporting the Eighth Centenary with specific legislative measures, and authorizing a “landmark project”: the creation of a special hospice for children with cancer within the regional palliative care network. The project will be funded by donations collected during the exposition.
Alongside the daily liturgical celebrations, the month of veneration includes gatherings for young people, prayer sessions dedicated to particular groups, cultural and musical events, and tours of the city’s Franciscan sites. Assisi has become more than a tourist destination; the exposition has made it a true place of pilgrimage.
It has been announced that Pope Leo XIV will visit Assisi during the “GO! Franciscan Youth Meeting,” scheduled for August 3-6, 2026. Young people aged 18-33, coming from countries all over Europe, will gather in Assisi for four days of formation, prayer, and encounter. This event, which is part of the Eighth Centenary, is not centered on the past but is a living experience that continues to shape the future.
Francis body is not on display to honor his death. Rather, his body shows a history of faithfulness. Francis still speaks—not because his bones were preserved, but because his life was fully given. Even eight hundred years later, this remains the decisive truth.
Friar Alejandro Palacios Vázquez, OFMConv
In 2026, the Franciscan Centenary year, the city of Assisi is preparing to welcome thousands of young people from all over Europe for the “GO! Franciscan Youth Meeting,” an international gathering aimed at bringing young people from across Europe to Assisi to rediscover the message of St. Francis through encounter, prayer, and celebration.
The meeting will take place August 3-6, 2026, and is open to young people aged eighteen to thirty-three, both believers and non-believers. It offers a unique opportunity to meet in the spirit of St. Francis, during the year that commemorates the 800th anniversary of the transitus of the Saint of Assisi.
The GO! Franciscan Youth Meeting was created to provide a common space where participants can experience authentic moments of listening, dialogue, and formation. The program is designed to alternate times of prayer and spirituality with moments of joyful celebration and shared life, allowing young people to reflect on the fundamental questions of existence within a context of universal fraternity.
During the four-day meeting, participants will take part in various educational and cultural activities. August 4 and 5 will be dedicated to thematic workshops designed to inspire and actively engage young people in deeper personal reflection. This “Chapter of Mats” will also feature “Jubil Music,” a singing competition dedicated to music born from the heart and soul, offering a unique platform for musical talent.
The GO! Franciscan Youth Meeting is the result of some intensive collaboration among several Church and civic institutions. The event is jointly promoted by the Order of Friars Minor, the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, and the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, together with the City of Assisi and the Diocese of Assisi. The initiative is also supported by the National Committee for the Celebration of the 8th Centenary of the Death of St. Francis of Assisi.
“Our goal is to share the life and joy of St. Francis of Assisi and to help others personally experience the happiness that flows from coming together around the Gospel. This spirit inspires and guides all our preparation,” say the friars organizing the event. “We hope to help young people recognize, in the poor and the marginalized, the face of God made present and close to every person, and to renew the world with the freshness and vitality of the Saint of Assisi. This, and much more, is what we hope participants will experience during the course of the GO! Franciscan Youth Meeting.”
The logistical organization of the meeting reflects the Franciscan spirit of simplicity and sharing. Accommodations will be provided using local facilities such as gymnasiums and exhibition areas, fostering a sense of adaptability and community. Hospitality and meal services will directly involve the local community and places connected to the memory of St. Francis, creating a deep bond between participants and the Seraphic City.
Registration for this extraordinary event is now open.
The organizers invite all interested young people to visit the official website at https://www.goassisi.org/it/ to learn more about how to participate and secure a place on this journey of discovery and international friendship.
Information about GO! Franciscan Youth Meeting
Where: Assisi (Perugia, Italy)
Who: Young people ages 18-33
When: August 3-6, 2026
Program: https://www.goassisi.org/en/plan/
Registration: https://www.goassisi.org/en/
Email:
Facebook: facebook.com/goassisi/
Instagram: instagram.com/goassisi/
TikTok: tiktok.com/@goassisi
Andrea ROSSI
Press Room, Sacred Convent of St. Francis
On Saturday, January 10, 2026, the Assembly of the Franciscan Family received a warm and fraternal greeting from Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of the official opening ceremony of the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi.
In his message, the Pope expressed his spiritual unity with all the friars, sisters, and everyone participating in the commemorative events. He emphasized that peace―a divine gift and not the fruit of human effort alone―is the key to Christian life and universal reconciliation.
The Pope noted that St. Francis—through his greeting, “May the Lord give you peace,” and through a life marked by faith, hope, and active charity—continues to speak to us today, inviting each of us to become builders of peace, open to God, to others, and to all of Creation. The saint’s example—unarmed and a friend to all creatures—remains a valuable guide for addressing the divisions and challenges of our time.
On this occasion, the Pope also announced the Decree granting a Plenary Indulgence, already made public, which invites the faithful during this Year of Grace to engage in reflection, prayer, and reconciliation―in keeping with the spiritual legacy of St. Francis.
The Pope’s full greeting, read during the opening ceremony, is available for download in the following languages:
Croatian >>>
French >>>
English >>>
Italian >>>
Polish >>>
Portuguese >>>
Spanish >>>
German >>>
El Decreto para la Indulgencia plenaria está disponible para su descarga en los siguientes enlaces y en los distintos idiomas disponibles:
مرسوم يوبيل فرنسيس ٨٠٠ سنة Arabic >>>
Croatian >>>
French >>>
English >>>
Italian >>>
Polish >>>
Portuguese >>>
Spanish >>>
German >>>
Hungarian >>>
On January 10, 2026, the 8th Centenary of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi (1226–2026), was officially opened. The ceremony took place In Assisi, at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, which houses the Porziuncola. Afterwards, the Ministers General of the Franciscan Family released a joint letter entitled “A Seed of Eternal Life.” The letter is addressed to the entire Franciscan Family and the People of God. It invites everyone to rediscover what St. Francis has handed down to us and to recognize it as our living and shared responsibility to live out today.
The letter is signed by the Ministers General of the Order of Friars Minor; Friars Minor Conventual; Friars Minor Capuchin; the Third Order Regular; the Secular Franciscan Order; and by the President of the International Franciscan Conference of the Third Order Regular. It offers a detailed and concrete reflection on the Franciscan charism eight hundred years after Francis’ death. Using his Testament as its guiding text, the letter identifies three great legacies that the saint leaves to the Church and to the world: mercy arising from the encounter with the poor and with the crucified Christ; faithful love for the Church, recognized as a “poor but fruitful land,” and for the Eucharist as the heart of the Christian mystery; and, finally, fraternal life lived as a Gospel form of life capable of generating peace.
Particular emphasis is placed on fraternity as an alternative to every power-based approach. The Franciscan Order is not meant to be a pyramidal [hierarchical] structure, but a “circular” fraternity in which everyone is a lesser one, called to serve and care for one another. From this way of living arises the call to peace, expressed in Francis’ greeting, “May the Lord give you peace,” which he embraced as a guide for life and evangelization, then and now.
The Centenary is thus presented not as a simple commemoration, but as a time of renewal and personal and communal responsibility. The seed planted by Francis continues to sprout and cries out to be protected through acts of mercy, faithfulness to the Church, and fostering reconciled relationships.
This letter, issued for the launch of the centenary year, is intended to revive the power of the Gospel lived by Francis, pilgrim and brother to all. Moreover, it invites us to recognize it as a tool of discernment and of shared journey for the entire Franciscan Family.
Reading the full text of the letter, A Seed of Eternal Life, will allow us to deepen our understanding of the path opened by the 8th Centenary and to receive its guidance for the life of the Franciscan Family today. The text can be downloaded, in PDF format, in the following languages:
Croatian
French
English
Italian
Polish
Portuguese
Spanish
German
and Hungarian
The 800th anniversary celebrations will officially begin on January 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
The opening ceremony will be broadcast live from the Porziuncola Chapel in Assisi.
On January 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, which houses the Porziuncola, will become the center of the celebrations marking the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi (1226/2026). The entire opening ceremony will be streamed live on the official channels of the Seraphic Province of St. Francis of Assisi of the Order of Friars Minor (www.facebook.com/fratiminoriassisi) and on the Franciscan Centenaries website: www.centenarifrancescani.org.
The guide to the Opening Rite of the 800th Anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis is available for download below in multiple languages:
Representatives from the Franciscan Families will be present, namely: Friar Massimo FUSARELLI, OFM, Minister General of the Friars Minor; Friar Carlos Alberto TROVARELLI, OFM Conv., Minister General of the Friars Minor Conventual; Friar Roberto GENUIN, OFM Cap., Minister General of the Friars Minor Capuchin; Tibor KAUSER, OFS, Minister General of the Secular Franciscan Order; Friar Amando TRUJILLO CANO, TOR, Minister General of the Third Order Regular, and Sister Daisy KALAMPARAMBAN, President of the International Franciscan Conference of the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Regular. These men and women, consecrated according to the Franciscan Rule, are a united presence that visibly demonstrates the unity and charismatic richness of the Franciscan Family throughout the world.
The opening ceremony will take place in the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, which houses, behind the Porziuncola, the Chapel of the Transitus, a memorial of the last earthly moments of St. Francis. There, on October 3, 1226, already blind and marked by the stigmata, Francis asked to be laid “naked on the bare earth”―a supreme gesture of faith in the fatherhood of God and of acceptance of Sister Bodily Death.
The Opening Ceremony: From the Canticle to the Transitus
The opening ceremony will serve as a symbolic and spiritual bridge between the 800th anniversary of the composition of the Canticle of the Creatures (2025) and the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis (2026). It will incorporate the Canticle’s final two stanzas on reconciliation and Sister Bodily Death.
Key figures in this ceremony will be the Most Reverend Domenico SORRENTINO, Bishop of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gualdo Tadino, Italy, and the Mayor of Assisi, Valter STOPPINI. Their participation recalls the reconciliation that occurred between the Bishop of Assisi and the Mayor of Assisi, which was sung by Francis as a prophecy of peace.
They will enter the Basilica in procession, carrying an unlit candle, a symbol of humanity marked by conflict and fragility. The procession will proceed to the Chapel of the Transitus, the site of Francis’ last earthly moments, where the candle will be lit from the Paschal Candle, a symbol of the Risen Christ. From there, the lit candle will be carried to the six side chapels of the Basilica, each entrusted to one of the six branches of the Franciscan Family.
The Testament of St. Francis
At each side chapel, the participants will focus on a theme drawn from the Testament of St. Francis, which serves as the foundational text for the opening ceremony, conveying Francis’ final spiritual wishes. At each side chapel, the program will include: the reading of a passage from the Franciscan Sources or the Gospel; a brief reflection by a Minister General; and a symbolic gesture or the sharing of testimony with the aim of bringing Francis’ message to life in today’s world.
An Exceptional Exhibition
For this occasion, there will be an exceptional exhibition of the oldest known painting of St. Francis of Assisi, preserved in the Porziuncola Museum, a work by the artist commonly known as the “Master of St. Francis” (mid-13th century). It depicts the saint with his stigmata clearly visible, expressing his full and complete conformity to Christ.
The image was apparently painted on a wooden plank that was used to carry and protect Francis’s body immediately after his death, thereby giving it not only iconographic value but also profound relic-like and testimonial significance. The artwork will be displayed in accordance with the strictest conservation measures, under the supervision of the Curator of Cultural Heritage of the Seraphic Province.
Prophecy of Fraternity
The Transitus comes at the culmination of the great Franciscan Jubilee journey , which, from 2023 to 2026, retraced the final years of the life of the Poverello: from the approval of the Rule and the Christmas at Greccio (2023), to the gift of the Stigmata (2024), and the composition of the Canticle of the Creatures (2025).
The Canticle’s final stanza— ”Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whom no one living can escape” —provides the true key to this 800th anniversary event. Francis’s testimony as he died, singing, surrounded by his brothers, leaves a legacy of reconciliation and a prophecy of fraternity: only a free and humble heart can welcome death as a friend.
Everyone, sons and daughters of St. Francis, Christian and civil communities, young and old, are invited to join in this great spiritual jubilee.
Press Release
Office of Communications of the Seraphic Province
of St. Francis of the Order of Friars Minor
Rome: BRANDUARDI Closes Year of Canticle of the Creatures,
Heralds 800th Anniversary of Transitus
On December 26, 2025, Angelo BRANDUARDI, a singer-songwriter who composes pieces about St. Francis, gave a concert in Rome to herald the upcoming 800th anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi and to conclude the 800th anniversary commemorating the saint’s composition of the Canticle of the Creatures.
The concert was attended by an audience of 2,700 admirers of the renowned medieval minstrel St. Francis. The event took place at the Santa Cecilia Concert Hall located in the Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone Complex in Rome.
Backed by his four longtime instrumentalists, the artist performed eleven pieces from his album L’infinitamente Piccolo, which talks about the life of St. Francis. The first song was Canticle of Brother Sun, followed by ten of BRANDUARDI’s best-known pieces from the 1970s through the 1990s.
The idea of setting the life of St. Francis to music was first introduced in 1999, with the goal of spreading the message of St. Francis during the 2000 Jubilee Year. At that time, Friar Paolo FIASCONARO was the Coordinating Secretary for the Assembly of the four Franciscan Families of Italy, which was conducted in Sardinia. Friar Paolo invited the artist to present his plan to the sixty Ministers Provincial attending the Assembly. Mr. BRANDUARDI spoke to them and explained his deep artistic and spiritual bond with St. Francis.
Thus the album L’infinitamente Piccolo was born. Its eleven songs are based on texts selected by BRANDUARDI’s wife, Luisa ZAPPA. She took the texts from the Franciscan Sources and other books the friars had given her husband. Maestro BRANDUARDI involved four great musical forces of the time in his project, namely, the composers Ennio MORRICONE and Franco BATTIATO, and the renowned ensembles Madredeus and Nuova Compagnia di Canto Popolare. During the 2000 Jubilee Year, Mr. BRANDUARDI performed 150 concerts across Italy and Europe.
Twenty-five years later, on the occasion of the Franciscan 800th anniversaries, Friar Paolo FIASCONARO—on behalf of the Union of the Conferences of Ministers Provincial of the Franciscan Family of Italy—proposed that the songwriter take up the project again, even at the age of seventy-five. The friars enthusiastically supported the idea, giving rise to a new tour. The tour was further enriched when the friars of the Sacred Convent of Assisi suggested that Mr. BRANDUARDI collaborate with Aldo CAZZULLO, the author of the book “Francesco: Il Primo Italiano” [Francis: the First Italian]. Thus, Mr. CAZZULLO is now part of the new show, which will be a highlight during the 800th anniversary celebrations. The concert tour will begin in Pisa, Italy, on February 12, 2026, and will continue on to major theaters across Italy and Europe.
At the end of the concert performed this December, Mr. BRANDUARDI and Friar Paolo FIASCONARO spent some time together talking about their great Franciscan concert series twenty-five years ago. They recalled past successes, the original musical program based on the life of St. Francis, and discussed future projects inspired by the Saint of Assisi.
Roberto DAMIATA, Journalist
On October 4, 2025, Friar Carlos TROVARELLI, the Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, conducted a solemn celebration to announce, on behalf of the Ministers General of the Franciscan Family, the 800th Anniversary of the Easter of St. Francis. The announcement was made in the Lower Piazza of St. Francis, in Assisi, in the presence of public officials, friars, other religious, and the faithful.
Friar Carlos stressed the importance of this anniversary: “St. Francis welcomed death as a sister. He experienced it as a final act of faith and love. His death reminds us that every human existence has an eternal meaning.” He also invited everyone—”the sons and daughters of St. Francis, all people of good will, Christian and civil communities, young and old, healthy and sick”—to actively participate in the eighth centenary celebrations.
This 800th anniversary will be an occasion for prayer, discussion, and reflection. From February 22 to March 22, 2026, for the first time in public, the body of St. Francis will be displayed for the veneration of the faithful, providing a precious opportunity to get closer to this extraordinary person who, after 800 years, still speaks to the hearts of so many of us. During the 800th anniversary, the Franciscan community will offer activities open to all friends, devotees, sons, and daughters of Francis of Assisi, with moments of prayer and encounter. All the information needed for you to participate is available on the official website at: www.sanfrancescovive.org.
The 800th anniversary is intended to convey a powerful message of life and hope to a world still plagued by conflicts and challenges. The official opening of the 800th anniversary celebrations will take place on January 10, 2026, in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels―the Porziuncola.
Here is the video of Friar Carlos TROVARELLI making the announcement:
FRANCISCAN CENTENARIES
GENERAL COMMITTEE OF THE FRANCISCAN FAMILY
Rome, May 31, 2025
Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
To all National Franciscan Families
Dear brothers and sisters of every national Franciscan Family,
The Lord give you peace!
We, the Franciscan Family, are currently experiencing years of grace and deep reflection, stimulated by the Centenaries of the Rule, the Greccio Crib, the Stigmata and the Canticle of the Creatures.
In 2026, we will commemorate the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi.
The 8th centenary of the Easter of St. Francis can be a chance to bring the Poverello of Assisi into “the streets and squares” of every part of the world, exposing his life, mission and spirituality to those unfamiliar with his story. We have a powerful opportunity to draw others into the Franciscan Spirit. As the Franciscan Family, we join together to creatively share St. Francis with every person we meet in every place possible.
Organizing something together will also be a prophetic sign of unity and hope, responding to the call of the universal Church in this Jubilee year. Francis of Assisi was the ultimate pilgrim of hope.
The General Committee of the Franciscan Family for the Franciscan Centenaries is offering to help in international efforts, where it is possible to organize events open to all, involving every national Franciscan Family. The General Committee would like to initiate a dialogue among us and with those who are not Franciscans, to plan an event that would build fraternal relationships and make St. Francis of Assisi even more widely known.
HOW TO ORGANIZE AN EVENT
a) Establish a coordinating committee composed of representatives from all the Orders of the Franciscan Family: OFM, OFMConv, OFMCap, TOR, OFS, CFI-TOR, Poor Clares.
Collaboration among the various members of the Franciscan Family not only unites and multiplies efforts, but can also generate new creativity born of fraternal encounter.
b) This committee will be responsible for:
- Deciding the objectives and theme.
The general objective is to reach a broad audience, mainly composed of non-Franciscans and of different age groups: children, youth, adults, elderly.
The theme suggested by the General Ministers of the Franciscan Family is:
Francis, man of peace, brother to all
However, each national Franciscan Family may consider other themes more suited to its own concrete reality.
The guidelines found in the letter from the Conference of the Franciscan Family and the thematic cores provided by this General Committee in 2022 may be helpful. - Deciding where to hold the event and for how many days (1, 2, 3...).
- Deciding the program and activities to be carried out.
Activities may include: round tables; forums; meetings/discussions with Franciscan and non-Franciscan experts; workshops; exhibitions; performances; moments of prayer; activities for children and/or families; poetry, art and music contests, possibly involving schools. - Approving a budget for the costs of the various activities and preparing all informational materials.
c) Create an Organizing Secretariat to handle logistics; necessary permits; preparation of possible contracts; contacts with speakers and artists; recruitment and coordination of volunteers; execution of the event.
d) Create a financial team to handle sponsorships and expenses.
e) Create a Communications Office to manage internal and external dissemination within the Franciscan Family; handle social media to promote all programming.
It is important to begin working on this project well in advance, to build good relationships among committee members and other service groups, contact people who wish to be involved or institutions to secure chosen venues, and be well prepared to successfully carry out all planned activities.
We offer some links to websites where you can see how national or regional Franciscan Families organize events “in the streets and squares,” including videos and photos, to inspire what we suggest from the General Committee for the Franciscan Centenaries:
- https://www.festivalfrancescano.it (Italy – Emilia Romagna Region)
- https://www.meetingfrancescanomediterraneo.it (Italy – Sicily Region)
- Facebook pages: Encuentro Franciscano del Mediterráneo, Festival Francescano
- YouTube: search Festival Francescano or Encuentro Franciscano del Mediterráneo
The true priority is to give space to Franciscan creativity and imagination, to reach as many people as possible in our cities and connect them with St. Francis and his message, which is more relevant today than ever.
For our Franciscan Family, this can be a beautiful opportunity to contribute to evangelization, as a Church going out to every brother and sister thirsty for the Gospel—credible stories of the Gospel, like that of St. Francis and of so many who have embraced his charism over these eight hundred years.
Finally, we remind you to send contributions about what you will carry out in your countries (articles, photos, short videos) to the Franciscan Centenaries website:
👉 http://centenarifrancescani.org
On September 1, 2025, the Ministers General of the Franciscan Family met in Assisi to sign a letter entitled “Song of Reconciliation,” on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the composition of the Canticle of the Creatures (1225-2025). The signers were Friar Massimo FUSARELLI, OFM; Friar Carlos A. TROVARELLI, OFM Conv.; Friar Roberto GENUIN, OFM Cap.; and Friar Amando TRUJILLO CANO, TOR (Third Order Regular).
This letter is addressed to the entire Franciscan Family —the brothers and sisters of the First, Second, and Third Orders, including the TOR. In this Holy Year, which also marks the year of the Canticle, the letter invites us to rediscover the spiritual freshness and prophetic power of St. Francis’ song, still so relevant today, a song which calls us to a life of praise, peace, and reconciliation.
Speaking plainly and profoundly, the Ministers General encourage us to become, like Francis, singers of reconciliation and hope for our time.
The letter is available in French, English, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish (Spain), Spanish (Latin America), and German.
Download links are below.
French >>>
English >>>
Italian >>>
Polish >>>
Portuguese >>>
Spanish (Spain) >>>
Spanish (Latin America) >>>
German >>>
In 2025, the “Season of Creation” in Assisi will be offering a rich program of events. This time of ecumenical prayer and action for the care of our common home, celebrated worldwide, opens on September 1, the World Day of Prayer for Creation, and concludes on October 4, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
The city of the Poverello once again welcomes this annual gathering. As in past years, residents and pilgrims alike are invited to plant their personal “seeds of peace” by praying and making a concrete commitment to care for creation. This initiative is part of the Franciscan Centenary (2023–2026) and is particularly focused on the 800th anniversary of the composition of the Canticle of the Creatures.
“Today, more than ever, we thirst for peace,” said Antonio CASCHETTO, Director of the Laudato Si’ Center in Assisi. “Peace among peoples,” he continued, “peace in families, peace between men and women, peace with ourselves, and peace with all of creation. The Canticle of the Creatures teaches us how to experience this peace at all levels. We sincerely hope that this ‘Season of Creation’ will help many seeds of peace take root among the participants and pilgrims passing through Assisi.”
This year, the theme chosen by the ecumenical committee is “Peace with Creation,” inspired by the image of a desolate and peace-less creation described by the prophet Isaiah, due to the lack of justice and the breakdown of humanity’s relationship with God. Our hope is that creation will know peace when justice is restored. “My people will live in peaceful country, in secure dwellings and quiet resting places” (cf. Is 32:14–18).
The community of Assisi will animate the program with help from Laudato Si’ volunteers from different regions of Italy and around the world. The volunteers will be living in Assisi while they carry out various services. Another group, “Artists for Creation,” will be offering the gift of music, as they share selections from the album “8CENTO” which celebrates the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures.
For more details (in Italian only) visit:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nNzc9JqVqi4hooZUKjfShBbw_632jUEdmSZL6JqD_VI/edit?tab=t.0
Press Office
Sacred Convent of St. Francis
To the Sisters
of the Order of St. Clare
of the Order of Urbanist Poor Clares
of the Capuchin Poor Clares
Dear Poor Sisters of St. Clare,
Ke de multe parte et provincie sete adunate,
We, the Franciscan General Ministers, wish for
The Lord to give you His peace!
In this Holy Year of 2025, we celebrate not only the 800th anniversary of the composition of the Canticle of the Creatures, but also of those “words with melody for the Poor Ladies of San Damiano,” known as Audite, Poverelle, which St. Francis of Assisi composed “for their greater consolation” in the winter of 1225. The two texts are singularly close in time and are from the same period of Francis’ life. We can say that they almost chase after and illuminate one another.
Given the importance of this anniversary for the entire Franciscan Family, and even more so for you, we, the Franciscan General Ministers, address you together, “with great love,” offering you some insights inspired by Francis’ own words, convinced that, even after 800 years, they retain all their force and are of great relevance for your Franciscan contemplative Clarian life today.
Download PDF “Audite Sorelle”:
From May 29 to June 1, 2025, the Franciscan Family in France gathered in Lourdes, at the Cité Saint Pierre (Caritas France) Hospitality and Accommodation Center and the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the composition of the Canticle of the Creatures, coinciding with the Feast of the Ascension. The gathering was organized by the National Council of the Secular Franciscan Order and brought together members from the entire Franciscan Family, with over 700 participants.
The main objective was to share some highlights from the Franciscan centenaries celebrated in recent years. The celebration included lectures, workshops, performances, and singing sessions. It was also an opportunity to present various initiatives that embody the spirituality of the Canticle of the Creatures through encounters with the poor, ecological commitment, fraternal life, and integral ecology.
One particularly touching moment was the performance by the Conventual Franciscan friars, who shared key moments from the life of St. Francis. Overall, the gathering was a deeply spiritual experience that rekindled a strong sense of connection to St. Francis.
Friar Jean-François-Marie AUCLAIR
The Laudato Si’ Center of Assisi, partnering with the ASSISI Terra Laudato Si’ project, has produced a concept album entitled “8cento” [800]―a journey through various musical styles, to interpret the Canticle of the Creatures with new eyes and ears.
The group behind this project, “Artists for Creation” wanted to pay tribute, through the art of music, to the first known song in the Italian language―whose author is known. It’s not just a beautiful poem or an inspired prayer, but also the work of a singer-songwriter. This year, the composition turns 800 years old.
St. Francis ends his Canticle with an oxymoron: “Cum grande humilitate.” Only he could juxtapose two words so distant: greatness and humility. In this album, a group of unknown, humble artists have undertaken an ambitious project. Performing at the Villaggio per la Terra event, on the Terrazza del Pincio in Rome [a hilltop overlook], the artists recently got a first taste of the public’s reaction.
The work interprets the Canticle, drawing inspiration from each verse, through rock, ballads, jazz, bossa nova, instrumentals, pop, dance, rap, and singer-songwriter tracks. They use various languages and styles, to sing of the Creator who designed a creation rich in biodiversity. Biodiversity equals beauty.
On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, the first three tracks were released as an album representing the soul of 8cento. The first track is: “Tucte,” a rap song by OobyMajor. It explores the richness of the expression “cum tucte le tue creature” (with all your creatures). “Sorella morte,” by Marco MAMMOLI, uses dance music to help us, like Francis, look upon death with joy, as a means of praise. “Salsabīl,” by Matteo SANTINI, tells the story of Sister Water using an instrumental piece. The title is Arabic, evoking the spring that flows from Heaven and the dialogue between Francis and the sultan, from which we must learn, even today, to build peace, a key message of Pope Leo XIV.
The release of this album also marks the celebration of the first anniversary of the ASSISI Terra Laudato Si’ project, launched on April 22, 2024. It is already bearing much fruit in Assisi. Special thanks to the artists: Father Mimmo IERVOLINO, Luca LENCIONI, Marco MAMMOLI, Matteo MANICARDI, MoMa feat, Anna SILIMBANI, Diego RAITERI, Agostino SAMMARCO, Matteo SANTINI, Luca TERRANA, and OobyMajor. The best way to say thank you for this album is to listen to it.
The album is available on streaming platforms, and on the AssisiLaudatoSi.org website.
Enjoy listening!
Press Room
Sacred Convent of St. Francis
On the morning of January 23, 2025, a technical committee was brought together
at the headquarters of the Italian government at Palazzo Chigi in Rome,
to prepare for the reception of pilgrims in Assisi.
The committee members included the Undersecretary of State to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Alfredo MANTOVANO; the Extraordinary Commissioner for the Jubilee and Mayor of Rome, Roberto GUALTIERI; the President of the National Committee for the Celebration of the 8th Centenary of the Death of St. Francis of Assisi, Davide RONDONI; the President of the Italian Region of Umbria, Stefania PROIETTI; the Mayor of Perugia, Vittoria FERDINANDI; the Mayor of Terni, Stefano BANDECCHI; and other key figures from the Italian Region of Umbria. Also present were officials of the Government; officials of the Italian State Railways; the Most Reverend Rino FISICHELLA, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization and head of organizing the 2025 Jubilee; Father Giovanni ZAMPA, representing the Umbrian Episcopal Conference; and many others. The purpose of this meeting was to effectively prepare for the reception of the numerous pilgrims expected to arrive in Umbria, particularly in Assisi, during the Jubilee and the centenary year of St. Francis’ death in 2026.
The Custos of the General Custody of the Sacred Convent of St. Francis in Italy (Assisi), Friar Marco MORONI, was also present, accompanied by Friar Jorge FERNÁNDEZ.
The meeting highlighted the need for funding to organize accommodations, transportation, and road access for a very large number of people, and funding to improve accessibility and ensure safety. The committee is mounting a significant effort to effectively manage the reception of pilgrims, especially during peak periods such as April 2025, when Blessed Carlo Acutis will be canonized, late July and early August 2025, for the Jubilee of Adolescents, and the days surrounding the Feast of St. Francis on October 4.
Friar Marco MORONI said about this: “For our part, as friars of the Sacred Convent, we will do everything we can to accommodate everyone. We try to have a big heart. We also appreciate the Government’s decision, at the request of the Italian Region of Umbria, to set up this committee, which includes various religious and lay entities on the front lines, in order to ensure adequate hospitality for the many pilgrims and visitors who will come to Assisi during these special years. Hospitality comes from the heart and is an attitude to be cultivated and nurtured, but it also requires appropriate facilities to host people simply yet safely.”
Press Room - Andrea ROSSI
Sacred Convent of St. Francis
Union of the Conferences of Ministers Provincial
of the Franciscan Family of Italy
- PRESS RELEASE -
BRANDUARDI SINGS ST. FRANCIS FOR THE JUBILEE YEAR
AND THE 8TH CENTENARY OF THE CANTICLE OF THE CREATURES
The year 2025 will be a year of grace for the entire Italian Franciscan Family, as it marks the 800th anniversary of the composition of the Canticle of the Creatures and the Holy Year of the Universal Church. This is a fitting occasion, as part of the various jubilee celebrations, to reflect on the Canticle of the Creatures, which St. Francis composed in 1225, just a year before his death, while he was nearly blind.
To celebrate these events, there will be a concert series with singer-songwriter Angelo BRANDUARDI who will perform this significant poetic composition from Italian literature. The concert series will be an opportunity to spread the Franciscan message in public squares, theaters, and churches.
This concert event is sponsored by the Franciscan Family of Italy and was successfully tested during the 2000 Jubilee Year with more than 150 concerts across Italy and Europe.
These concerts will also be repeated during the 2025 Jubilee Year when the artist and his orchestra will present “L’INFINITAMENTE PICCOLO” [Infinitely Small]. The concert will feature eleven songs composed in collaboration with Ennio MORRICONE, Franco BATTIATO, the musical ensemble Madredeus, and the folk group La Nuova Compagnia di Canto Popolare. The very popular song based on the Canticle of the Creatures will be performed as well.
The Italian Ministers Provincial representing the Friars Minor, Friars Minor Conventual, Friars Minor Capuchin and the Third Order Regular, delegated Friar Paolo FIASCONARO to oversee the project and work with its organizers. All of the Franciscan communities of Italy and other ecclesial entities have been asked to invite the artist to perform at patronal festivals, cultural events, and summer festivals. The concert series is also an opportunity to expose a broader audience to the values of the Encyclical Laudato Si’, in which Pope Francis emphasizes the importance of safeguarding creation and our “common home” as part of a commitment to sustainable peace.
Public entities, including municipalities, provinces, and regions, can be encouraged to get involved in reflecting on the significance of the Jubilee Year while also revisiting the Canticle of the Creatures during this centennial celebration. This event presents a valuable opportunity to enrich various celebrations across Italy with spiritual and cultural significance, countering society’s often superficial messages that are lacking in meaningful values. All of the concerts to be held will be performed for charity, to benefit Franciscan missions worldwide.
Rome, December 24, 2024
Friar Paolo FIASCONARO
Delegate of the Franciscan Family of Italy
for the BRANDUARDI Project
INFORMATION
For further information:
Friar Paolo FIASCONARO
email:
cell. 347.7789969
WhatsApp 349.7990521
Artist’s Production Company:
Alessandro IANNACCI
email:
cell. 345 8767939
Morena RASPANTI
email:
cell. 338 2954537
