Italy prepares commemorations for 800th anniversary of Saint Francis

Various cultural and religious organizations in Italy are organizing events to commemorate the upcoming 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi.

In Ravenna, the Associazione Culturale Tessere del 900 will host an event titled “Creatures and Creators – The influence of Saint Francis on 20th-century culture and art and his role in the construction of Italian identity.” The discussion, featuring Davide Rondoni and Beatrice Buscaroli, aims to explore the saint's relevance to modern life and his impact on art and identity. Rondoni emphasized that Francis's faith is “imitable” and offers a way to live with hope and peace.

In Prato, the Church of San Francesco is launching a three-part meeting series titled “Francis: A Living Sign. History, body, peace: the Gospel lived.” This cycle includes historical perspectives on how the saint's image has been reinterpreted over centuries, as well as discussions on his spiritual and human experience. The program is part of a broader movement leading up to the 2026 jubilee year.