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FEAST OF ST FRANCIS

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Assisi  ||  | 04 October 2026
Iniziative (EN) - Maison de la Paix (EN)

A delegation from the “United States of the World” and the “Fondazione Mediterraneo” took part in the Feast of St Francis, patron saint of Italy, in Assisi.
“The speech by the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella,” said Secretary-General Michele Capasso on the occasion of the National Feast of St Francis of Assisi and the 800th anniversary of his death, “touched all our hearts. The presence of dear, close friends, such as Cardinal Angel Fernandez Artime (former Rector Major of the Salesians and a founding member of the ‘United States of the World’) and Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, reinforced the intimate and family-like atmosphere of the ceremony.”
“In these times marked by senseless and cruel wars, by so much violence, manipulation and arrogance – as Pope Leo XIV said a few days ago – the hope,” President Mattarella emphasised, “is that the sun of Francis may illuminate the world, convert minds hardened by hatred, and point the way to peace, hope and serene, fraternal coexistence.”
In the Papal Basilica of St Francis, the Head of State attended Mass, celebrated by Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, President of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, and witnessed the lighting of the votive lamp of the municipalities of Italy by the Mayor of Assisi, Valter Stoppini.