Italy hosts major cultural events honoring St. Francis of Assisi

The 31st edition of the Premio Cimitile literary prize opened on 13 June 2026 in the historic paleochristian basilica of Cimitile, Italy. The ceremony featured the art exhibition “Created to Create – The Creation of St. Francis 1226‑2026” and the presentation of the book “E se tornasse Francesco?” alongside awards for works in narrative, non‑fiction, archaeology and journalism.

On 18 June 2026, priest‑psychologist Don Cosimo Schena presented his new book “L’eresia di Francesco – Abbiamo trasformato Francesco in un santino innocuo” at Santa Maria di Sovereto in Terlizzi. The volume, which sold out within four days, challenges the traditional hagiographic image of St. Francis and offers a psychological reading of the saint’s humanity and flaws.