# 800th anniversary of St Francis – May–Oct 2026

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italy-marks-800th-anniversary-of-st-francis
> Updated: 2026-09-14T09:30:09.000Z. Sources: 197. Developments: 45.

The 800th anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi continues to drive diverse cultural and religious activities across Italy, Europe, and the Americas. Following early September festivities in Assisi, Ancona, and Međugorje, the Catholic Church has declared a Franciscan Jubilee year. Major upcoming events in Assisi include a night pilgrimage on October 3 and a central celebration on October 4, which is expected to be attended by Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

In Italy, regional programs are expanding to include historical analysis and artistic tributes in Bolzano, Cuneo, Grottammare, and San Severino Marche. In San Marco in Lamis, an exhibition titled ‘Franciscus (1226-2026) – 800 images for 800 years’ is scheduled to open on September 17, showcasing five centuries of Franciscan iconography. 

International commemorations have also emerged. In Switzerland, the 39th ‘Cantar di Pietre’ festival begins in Ticino on September 13, utilizing music as a tool for spiritual expression. In Mexico, local communities are participating through religious and cultural festivities; Real de Catorce is set to inaugurate a monumental bust of the saint, while Saltillo prepares a month of processions and concerts to promote local tourism.

## Claims

- The Festa del Perdono of Assisi is celebrated on 1–2 August 2026 as part of the eighth centenary of Saint Francis’s death. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The indulgence (Indulgenza della Porziuncola) can be obtained by sacramental confession, Holy Communion and prayers according to papal intentions. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- DeMusicAssisi festival will run 4–9 August 2026, offering over thirty free medieval music events in Assisi. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Bishop Guglielmo will celebrate a Mass on 1 August at the Santa Chiara Monastery in Imperia. (single source)
- Marigliano will host a two‑day Festa del Perdono with a reenactment of the Porziuncola and pilgrimages on 1–2 August. (single source)
- Sant'Antimo will hold ceremonies on 1 August and 2 August with confession and Mass to grant the indulgence. (single source)
- Anagni will host a medieval and renaissance theatre festival from 22 August linked to the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis. (single source)
- Levanto will stage the concert “L’amore quello vero” on 2 August as part of the Perdono celebrations. (single source)
- Sant’Eraclio is hosting three events dedicated to the values of Saint Francis of Assisi to mark the eighth centenary of his death. (single source)
- Bishop Felice Accrocca will deliver a presentation titled ‘Peace and Good in Contemporaneity’ on September 19. (single source)
- An art exhibition curated by Pierluigi Metelli will open at the Church of Santa Croce. (single source)
- The musical group Gen Rosso will perform a concert in Termoli on September 26. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-14: Assisi to host major wellness and yoga festivals in 2026

Assisi will host the “Assisi 4 Life” sports and health event in September 2026 and the “YogAssisi Festival” in October 2026, celebrating wellness and spirituality during the Saint Francis 800th anniversary.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/assisi-to-host-major-wellness-and-yoga-festivals-in-2026

### 2026-09-12: Saint Francis of Assisi 800th anniversary commemorations

Various religious, musical, and cultural events are being held globally to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saint-francis-of-assisi-800th-anniversary-marked-by-music-and-art

### 2026-09-10: Saint Francis of Assisi 800th anniversary celebrations held globally

Global celebrations, including a Catholic Jubilee and various cultural festivals in Italy and Mexico, are marking the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-commemorates-saint-francis-of-assisi-with-cultural-events

### 2026-09-08: Otello Natalini donates Saint Francis painting to Gualdo Tadino

Artist Otello Natalini donated a painting commemorating the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi to the municipality of Gualdo Tadino, Italy.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/otello-natalini-donates-saint-francis-painting-to-gualdo-tadino

### 2026-09-06: Assisi hosts equestrian pilgrimage and art exhibition for Saint Francis anniversary

An equestrian pilgrimage from San Marino to Assisi and a watercolor exhibition by Regine Schmidt-Morsbach mark the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/assisi-hosts-equestrian-pilgrimage-and-art-exhibition-for-saint-francis-anniversary

### 2026-09-05: Međugorje hosts final celebrations for 800th Franciscan jubilee

The Franciscan community celebrated the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi's death with a central Mass in Međugorje, led by Minister General Massimo Fusarelli.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/meugorje-hosts-final-celebrations-for-800th-franciscan-jubilee

### 2026-09-05: Ancona celebrates Festa del Mare honoring Saint Francis of Assisi

Ancona celebrated the 44th Festa del Mare, themed ‘A Sea of Peace,’ marking the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi’s death with a maritime procession and Holy Mass.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ancona-celebrates-festa-del-mare-honoring-saint-francis-of-assisi

### 2026-09-02: Saint Francis of Assisi 800th anniversary commemorations

A wide range of cultural, musical, and religious events are being held across Italy, Switzerland, and San Marino to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-marks-800th-anniversary-of-saint-francis-of-assisi-with-festivals

### 2026-09-02: Villa Santa Maria di Spoltore to host Saint Francis conference

Villa Santa Maria di Spoltore will host a conference and book presentation on September 5, 2026, exploring the spirituality and history of Saint Francis of Assisi.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/villa-santa-maria-di-spoltore-to-host-saint-francis-conference

### 2026-08-31: Saint Francis of Assisi legacy highlighted in Assisi and Urbino

Events in Assisi and Urbino are celebrating the legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi through a theological conference and an art exhibition at the Museo Albani focusing on Franciscan spirituality.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saint-francis-of-assisi-legacy-highlighted-in-assisi-and-urbino

### 2026-08-31: Italy marks 800 years of Saint Francis with art and prayer

Italy marks the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi with a contemporary art exhibition at Rome's MAXXI museum and a spiritual musical event organized by the Diocese of Milan.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-marks-800-years-of-saint-francis-with-art-and-prayer

### 2026-08-28: Saint Francis of Assisi commemorations held across Italy

Italian towns are hosting diverse cultural, musical, and religious events to mark the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi, focusing on themes of peace, fraternity, and environmental respect.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-commemorates-800-years-since-death-of-saint-francis-of-assisi

### 2026-08-26: Italy hosts various cultural events marking 800 years since death of Saint Francis

Italy is hosting numerous cultural, artistic, and religious events across various regions to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saint-francis-commemorations-held-in-basilicata-and-abruzzo

### 2026-08-13: Basilicata hosts itinerant exhibition for Saint Francis of Assisi 800th anniversary

An itinerant exhibition celebrating the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi is traveling through Basilicata, Italy, featuring 20 thematic panels on his life and spiritual legacy.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/basilicata-hosts-itinerant-exhibition-for-saint-francis-of-assisi-800th-anniversary

### 2026-08-09: Italy hosts cultural events marking Franciscan anniversaries

Italian towns Gerace and San Severino Marche are hosting cultural and religious events to mark the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi and the feast of Saint Clare.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-hosts-cultural-events-marking-franciscan-anniversaries

### 2026-08-01: Italy hosts music events honoring Saint Francis

Italy’s Rieti will host the “Il Mio Cantico Libero” music contest final on 26 Sept, while Levanto staged a concert on 2 Aug celebrating Saint Francis’s 800th death anniversary with Mt5,13 and the Coro Amici di

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-hosts-music-events-honoring-saint-francis

### 2026-07-31: Franciscan Celebrations Across Italy Honor Saint Francis and Saint Clare

Italian Franciscan events this August include a Saint Clare novena in Borgo Valsugana and the opening of the Porziuncola for the Festa del Perdono in Marigliano, drawing many faithful.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/franciscan-celebrations-across-italy-honor-saint-francis-and-saint-clare

### 2026-07-29: Capuchin Friars Celebrate Assisi Forgiveness Festival across Italy

Capuchin friars hosted the Festa del Perdono in Colpersito, while Como and Colda held Jubilee celebrations, highlighting the Assisi Forgiveness tradition across Italy.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/capuchin-friars-celebrate-assisi-forgiveness-festival-across-italy

### 2026-07-28: Italy commemorates 800th anniversary of St Francis with nationwide Perdono celebrations

Italy marks the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis with nationwide Festa del Perdono events, masses, pilgrimages and cultural festivals throughout August 2026.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/assisis-2026-perdono-festival-celebrated-across-italy

### 2026-07-15: Salesian Summer Youth Programs in Italy Engage Over 150 Children

Salesian oratories in Terni and Cantalupa ran summer youth programs this July, serving over 150 children with activities, trips and community events.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/salesian-summer-youth-programs-in-italy-engage-over-150-children

### 2026-07-13: Franciscan Year 2026 commemorations in Milan and Lucera

Italy marks the 800th anniversary of St Francis with Milan’s Opera San Francesco program and a Lucera exhibition showcasing Franciscan art and heritage.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/franciscan-year-2026-commemorations-in-milan-and-lucera

### 2026-07-11: Italian Youth Outdoor Camps Wrap Up Summer Sessions

Two Italian youth camps wrapped up their summer programs: Educamp ended with a kayak trip in Liguria, while Natura Camp completed its fifth edition on Monte Nerone with over 350 children participating in varied

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-youth-outdoor-camps-wrap-up-summer-sessions

### 2026-07-07: Italy marks 800 years since St. Francis of Assisi’s death with festivals and cultural events

Italy commemorates the 800th anniversary of St Francis’s death with a Ravenna Festival catalog, theatre festivals in Bitonto and San Fele, a diocesan pilgrimage series, and related cultural exhibitions.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-marks-800-years-since-st-francis-with-theater-art-exhibitions

### 2026-07-07: Assisi to Host Thousands of Pilgrims for 2026 Perdono di Assisi Celebration

Assisi’s Santa Maria degli Angeli will host thousands for the 2026 Perdono pilgrimage, marking 800 years since Saint Francis’s death, while a recent pastoral conference highlighted priest shortages.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/assisi-to-host-thousands-of-pilgrims-for-2026-perdono-di-assisi-celebration

### 2026-07-04: St. Francis of Assisi honored in Sabino celebration in Italy

A Eucharistic service in Sabino, Italy honored St Francis of Assisi, recalling his transformative Spoleto dream, while scholars examine his historic public renunciation of his father's wealth.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/st-francis-of-assisi-honored-in-sabino-celebration-in-italy

### 2026-06-30: Italian dioceses launch summer youth camps and oratori programs

Italian dioceses announce summer programs: Fano’s mission camp runs 19‑25 July with daily locations, while Milan’s oratories will host 250 000 youths June‑July with thousands of volunteers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-dioceses-launch-summer-youth-camps-and-oratori-programs

### 2026-06-26: Assisi and Monte Sant'Angelo reaffirm ties amid Franciscan ordination

Assisi and Monte Sant'Angelo renewed their friendship pact on the 800th anniversary of St Francis, while Fra Francesco Maria Sorice was ordained priest in Assisi's basilica.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/assisi-and-monte-santangelo-reaffirm-ties-amid-franciscan-ordination

### 2026-06-25: Todi launches 'Mystica Visio' exhibition for St. Francis 800th anniversary

Todi's 'Mystica Visio' exhibition, running until 19 July 2026, celebrates the 800th anniversary of St. Francis with contemporary art and a new sculpture park, highlighting his lasting cultural legacy.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/todi-launches-mystica-visio-exhibition-for-st-francis-800th-anniversary

### 2026-06-24: Assisi hosts major cultural events marking 800th anniversary of St. Francis

Italy marks the 800th anniversary of St. Francis with a monologue in Padua and a mirror‑steel sculpture exhibition in Assisi, running June‑August 2026.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/assisi-hosts-major-cultural-events-marking-800th-anniversary-of-st-francis

### 2026-06-23: Italian Catholic youth weekend and pilgrimage draw faithful participants

Italian Catholic youth and pilgrims gathered at sanctuaries in Gimigliano and San Vittorino Romano for spiritual activities and Mass.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-catholic-youth-weekend-and-pilgrimage-draw-faithful-participants

### 2026-06-23: Parish and municipal Grest summer programs launch across Italy

Italian parishes in the Alto Caserta diocese and the town of Torregrotta are holding Grest summer camps for children, offering games, workshops and themed activities throughout June‑July 2024.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/parish-and-municipal-grest-summer-programs-launch-across-italy

### 2026-06-22: Saint Francis of Assisi 800th anniversary commemorations in Italy

Italy marks the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi with a limited‑edition artist book and a Monza cultural event featuring philosopher Pierfranco Bruni.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saint-francis-of-assisi-800th-anniversary-commemorations-in-italy

### 2026-06-21: St. Francis 800th Anniversary Marked by Italian Cultural and Religious Events

Italy marks the 800th anniversary of St. Francis with reflections on his testament and a Festival dell'Umano discussing AI, family tax reforms, and end‑of‑life care.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/st-francis-800th-anniversary-marked-by-italian-cultural-and-religious-events

### 2026-06-19: Italian Catholic youth programs launch summer charity events

Italian dioceses in Foligno and Cremona launch summer charity programs for youth, featuring Franciscan-themed outings, games, food drives and support for families in need.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-catholic-youth-programs-launch-summer-charity-events

### 2026-06-18: Francis of Assisi marked with free booklet and immersive VR exhibit in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, a free booklet and a new VR exhibit celebrate the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis of Assisi, highlighting his life and enduring message of hope.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/francis-of-assisi-marked-with-free-booklet-and-immersive-vr-exhibit-in-the-netherlands

### 2026-06-15: San Francesco commemorations held in Carmiano and Pesaro, Italy

Italy marks the 800th anniversary of St Francis with a book‑launch dialogue in Carmiano on June 17 and an ecumenical concert in Pesaro on June 20, highlighting his legacy of peace and spirituality.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/san-francesco-commemorations-held-in-carmiano-and-pesaro-italy

### 2026-06-15: Italian Catholic pilgrimages to Assisi and Lourdes attract hundreds of faithful

Italian Catholic groups organized pilgrimages to Assisi (June 13‑14) and Lourdes (May 31‑June 6), drawing hundreds of faithful and emphasizing prayer, community and Franciscan spirituality.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-catholic-pilgrimages-to-assisi-and-lourdes-attract-hundreds-of-faithful

### 2026-06-14: Italian events honor Saint Francis with lecture and theater performance

Italy hosted a lecture on Saint Luigi and Saint Francis in Castiglione delle Stiviere and a theater production of “Francesco” in Ancona, both emphasizing the saint’s legacy of peace and charity.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-events-honor-saint-francis-with-lecture-and-theater-performance

### 2026-06-13: Franciscan Jubilee celebrations held in Ostra Vetere and Sant’Agnello

Ostra Vetere and Sant’Agnello host Franciscan Jubilee events in June, featuring masses, charity activities, a concert, and an art exhibition tied to the 1226‑2026 anniversary of Saint Francis.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/franciscan-jubilee-celebrations-held-in-ostra-vetere-and-santagnello

### 2026-06-09: Italy hosts major cultural events honoring St. Francis of Assisi

Italy marked the 2026 celebrations of St. Francis with the Premio Cimitile literary awards in Cimitile and Don Cosimo Schena’s provocative new book launch in Terlizzi.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-hosts-major-cultural-events-honoring-st-francis-of-assisi

### 2026-06-05: Italian religious cultural programmes launch in Abruzzo and Marche regions

Religious cultural programmes launch in Italy: a healing course at San Gabriele sanctuary in Abruzzo and an inclusive Franciscan heritage trail across nine towns in Marche.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-religious-cultural-programmes-launch-in-abruzzo-and-marche-regions

### 2026-06-05: Assisi and Poppi unveil major exhibitions marking 800 years of St Francis

Italy marks the 800th anniversary of St Francis with major exhibitions in Poppi showcasing medieval codices and in Assisi featuring Michelangelo Pistoletto’s art exploring faith and dialogue.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saint-francis-800th-anniversary-exhibitions-launch-across-italy

### 2026-06-04: Italian Catholic groups launch Franciscan‑inspired summer programs

Italian Catholic groups are hosting Franciscan‑themed summer events: an Oratorio Estivo in Lissone and a diocesan family festival in Lunigiana, both emphasizing faith, community and care for creation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-catholic-groups-launch-franciscaninspired-summer-programs

### 2026-05-29: Italian towns host large saint festivals in June 2026

Italian towns celebrated saints in June 2026, from Assisi’s 800‑year Francis tribute and Palermo’s charity concert to Brugarolo’s feast, Messina’s Annibale centenary, Castelfranco’s San Filippo dinner, and a Fr

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sicily-hosts-centennial-celebrations-for-san-francesco-dassisi-and-saint-annibale-di-francia

### 2026-05-16: Italy commemorates 800th anniversary of Francis of Assisi in Turin and Ivrea

Italy observes the 800th anniversary of Francis of Assisi with a Turin book fair event and a heritage talk in Ivrea.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-commemorates-800th-anniversary-of-francis-of-assisi-in-turin-and-ivrea

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Cite as: 800th anniversary of St Francis – May–Oct 2026. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italy-marks-800th-anniversary-of-st-francis