ASSISI, Italy — As Pope Francis spends his third week in the hospital fighting pneumonia, many pilgrims are traveling to Assisi to honor the legacy of St. Francis, the saint after whom the pope named himself. Visitors from the United States, Ukraine, and various regions in Italy have made their way to this historic hilltop town, which has changed little since St. Francis’ time over 800 years ago.
These devoted pilgrims find inspiration in St. Francis’ commitment to helping the poor, promoting peace, and caring for the environment—all themes that resonate deeply with Pope Francis and the Franciscans, one of the largest religious orders in the Catholic Church. Rev. Paul Vu, who brought a group of Vietnamese-American parishioners from California, shared that St. Francis’ life teaches that true holiness comes from selflessness and dedication to God.
Born in 1182 to a wealthy family, St. Francis felt a calling to reform the church after praying in front of a crucifix. He dedicated his life to serving God and the poor, even giving up his wealth, which led to his disinheritance by his father. The Santuario della Spogliazione in Assisi commemorates this significant moment in his life.
The current bishop of Assisi, Rev. Domenico Sorrentino, emphasized that St. Francis’ life reflected a deep love for creation and peace. He noted that Francis’ example teaches us to view nature as a precious gift from God that deserves our respect and care.
During the Crusades, St. Francis famously interacted with a Muslim sultan, representing a model of interfaith dialogue that later inspired Pope John Paul II to bring together leaders of various faiths in Assisi. This tradition of peace continues today, with visitors like Passionist sister Elizabeth Nuñez, who expressed that Assisi is a place to pray for both global peace and personal tranquility.
The Legacy of St. Francis
St. Francis not only inspired a new way of living but also established a religious order that thrives worldwide today, the Franciscans. After his election in 2013, Pope Francis chose his name to honor this message of peace and brotherhood. Rev. Enzo Fortunato, who leads the Vatican’s World Children’s Day committee, explained that the name Francis embodies a commitment to peace, care for the poor, and respect for creation.
As this year marks the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ “Canticle of Creatures,” a poetic tribute to God’s creation, the pope has reaffirmed the importance of environmental stewardship. He conveyed that while humanity is entrusted with nature, it is not ours to exploit.
Pilgrims like Dora Pell from England describe the experience of exploring the forests around Assisi, cherished by St. Francis. For her, these peaceful surroundings foster a spirituality based on love and inclusiveness, making it clear that Christ’s presence can be felt in everything around us.
Assisi’s Historical Significance
The Basilica of St. Francis is famous for its remarkable frescoes, created by Giotto, which depict key moments in the saint’s life. These artworks not only tell the story of St. Francis but also represent a significant evolution in Western art, showcasing a move toward realism that foreshadowed the Renaissance.
In addition to the basilica, visitors can explore the nearby Basilica di Santa Chiara, dedicated to St. Clare, who followed St. Francis’ call to poverty and humility, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Poor Clares order.
Assisi is more than just a city of saints; it is a hub of holiness symbolizing the enduring impact of St. Francis. As Rev. Fortunato described, it remains a “condensation of holiness," demonstrating how one man’s choice to follow the Gospel can shape history for generations to come.
