ASSISI, Italy — Pilgrims continue to flock to the serene hilltop town of Assisi, amid the backdrop of Pope Francis’s ongoing hospitalization with pneumonia. Their pilgrimage is drawn by the city’s spiritual legacy, notably the tomb of St. Francis. The pope, who took his name after the revered saint, aligns closely with St. Francis’s principles of aiding the poor, advocating for peace, and stewarding God’s creation.
Visitors, including groups from the United States, Ukraine, and across Italy, traverse streets lined with ancient stone houses reminiscent of the era when St. Francis, the medieval saint, was born more than 840 years ago. St. Francis’s message of simplicity, charity, and humble dedication to God resonates with many, including the Rev. Paul Vu. Alongside 50 Vietnamese-American parishioners from California, he reflected on St. Francis’s path to holiness through sacrifice and devotion to divine service.
Born in 1182 to an affluent family in Assisi, St. Francis experienced a personal calling to renew the church, emphasizing a service stripped to its core essentials. The church site where he renounced worldly possessions symbolically marks his commitment. The Santuario della Spogliazione recalls the moment he stood unclothed before his father and the bishops, illustrating his dedication to poverty and spiritual purity.
Present-day Assisi is shaped by St. Francis’s profound embrace of peace and nature. Assisi’s bishop, Rev. Domenico Sorrentino, sees St. Francis’s life as a reminder that nature is a divine gift deserving of respect. During periods of conflict, St. Francis’s dialogue with a Muslim sultan exemplifies interfaith understanding, echoing modern efforts by religious leaders to cultivate global unity.
Sister Elizabeth Nuñez, a Passionist from Colombia visiting for peace, supports this view, regarding Assisi as a beacon for inner and worldly tranquility. Pope Francis similarly embodies these ideals, having adopted St. Francis’s name upon his election in 2013. The choice symbolizes his commitment to peace, poverty, and environmental respect—values embraced by St. Francis.
Throughout Pope Francis’s tenure, his encyclicals have drawn heavily on Franciscan thought, promoting inclusiveness and environmental stewardship. This year coincides with the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’s “Canticle of Creatures,” a testament to his reverence for God’s natural gifts, elements seen as cosmic family.
For pilgrims like Dora Pell from England, Assisi offers spiritual immersion. Strolling through beloved woodland and reflecting at St. Francis’s tomb encapsulates inclusivity and divine presence in all creation. Near the town, the Basilica of St. Francis remains awe-inspiring with its Giotto frescoes. These works, heralding the Renaissance, survived a devastating 1997 earthquake, reflecting resilience and historical continuity.
Assisi’s other landmarks echo this saintly heritage, such as the Basilica di Santa Chiara, devoted to St. Clare, who pursued radical service akin to St. Francis. Presently, Assisi is vibrant with spiritual legacy, awaiting the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis, set to become the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint. Assisi’s enduring sanctity, as noted by Enzo Fortunato, remains rooted in the life of St. Francis, heralded as a living Gospel and true bearer of the good news.
