The Head of State participated in the holy mass in the Upper Basilica on the occasion of the celebrations for the eighth centenary of the saint's death. Then he addressed a message to the country, in which he recalled that the teaching of Saint Francis is "a universal heritage for women and men of all times and all latitudes". Cardinal Zuppi: "Francis reminds us that war is not a destiny"
Assisi welcomed the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, on the occasion of the celebrations of the eighth centenary of the death of Saint Francis in 1226. An event that represents the pinnacle of the celebrations of the Franciscan Jubilee Year, which began on 7 January and will end on the same day in 2027. The Head of State participated, in the Upper Basilica, in the holy mass celebrated by Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, president of the Episcopal Conference Italian. At the end of the celebration, he then addressed a message to the country, in which he recalled that Italy "cannot ignore the lesson of Saint Francis" and that the saint "is today an example to follow".
Mattarella: "Saint Francis prophet of peace and love"
"800 years have passed since the death of Saint Francis, patron saint of Italy together with another great saint, Catherine of Siena - Mattarella then said -. The temporal distance that separates us from that event has in no way reduced his charm and charisma, which lives well beyond the borders of Italy and of Christianity itself, of which he is the son and eminent figure. Prophet of peace, of love, of respect for Creation, his teaching is a universal heritage for women and men of all times and all latitudes, believers or non-believers, Christians or believers of other religions".
"St. Francis broke the idolatry of money, a lesson for today"
Then, underlining the poverty of Saint Francis, "so sought and desired", the Head of State recalled "the concrete break with the idolatry of money. His humility had nothing naive about it, it was born from a demanding thirst for truth; his obedience was not submissiveness, but a tiring, thoughtful search for the superior reasons for the unity of the Christian people and the Church. Remembering, today, the teaching of Francis to the contemporary world means highlighting some decidedly current foundations also of his preaching: the dignity of every person, respect for Creation, peace".
"In some parts of the world there is a return to blessing weapons"
The President of the Republic also recalled that "today terrible conflicts are bloodying many parts of the world, and in some parts there is even a return to blessing weapons and placing armies under religious insignia: Francis teaches us that there is no greater sin than that of killing other men in the name of God. We would not be doing justice to the saint of Assisi if his figure were exhausted in that of an ecologist, pacifist and charitable worker before his time". "In these times marked by senseless and cruel wars, by so much violence, manipulation, arrogance, as Leo
Zuppi: "War is not a destiny"
Cardinal Zuppi, celebrating mass in Assisi, instead recalled: "In this season we are tempted and seduced by the culture of power, vulgar and invasive, deceptive, the result of misplaced emphasis and of brazen and enormous economic interests, of nationalisms that ruin nations, of campaigns that create the enemy instead of seeking what unites". Francis reminds us - he added - that war is not a destiny. There is no time to waste, the divider cheats and makes people believe that we find peace with weapons and not with dialogue and law".
The lamp of Saint Francis is lit
In the morning the mayor of Assisi, Valter Stoppini, lit the votive lamp that illuminates the tomb of St. Francis. He did so on behalf of all Italian regions, provinces and municipalities. “We express the love that all Italians have for you and implore your constant protection,” Stoppini said, addressing St. Francis. "Keep watch, holy brother Francis, over our people - he added -, enlighten the rulers, watch over the fate of Italy. Strengthen the bonds of unity, solidarity, brotherhood. Bless all the workers and give them and their families prosperity and peace".
Today's program in Assisi
In the afternoon, from 4pm, in the lower basilica, there will be the celebration of the solemn Second Vespers and the procession to the upper square, with the distribution of olive branches as a sign of peace, as well as the blessing of Italy and the world from the Dome of the Basilica with the Chartula of St. Francis and the performance of the "Canticle of the Creatures", set to music by Father Domenico Stella, in the churchyard of the upper church, performed by the Musical Chapel of the Papal Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi directed by the master Father Peter Hrdy.
