Umbria leadership promotes Saint Francis's legacy in Brussels

Stefania Proietti, President of the Umbria Region, traveled to Brussels to present the message of Saint Francis of Assisi during an event at the Italian Cultural Institute. Held in collaboration with the Italian Embassy in Belgium and the Apostolic Nunciature, the meeting titled ‘Thinking Francis: History, Memory, and Political Use’ commemorated the 800th anniversary of the saint's death.

Proietti emphasized the relevance of Francis's values—peace, fraternity, social justice, and respect for creation—in a modern era marked by conflict and division. The event included the presentation of a volume by historian Andrea Possieri and featured discussions on the saint's historical commitment to dialogue, specifically citing his encounter with the Sultan during the Crusades as a model for contemporary diplomacy.

In a separate reflection on the saint's legacy, psychologist Giuseppe Rescaldina discussed the tension between Franciscan frugality and modern hyper-consumerism. Rescaldina highlighted the psychological impact of consumerist culture on youth, noting how social media and the ostentation of wealth can exacerbate emotional fragility and distort human relationships.