Archbishop Felice Accrocca reflects on the enduring legacy of Saint Francis

Archbishop Felice Accrocca noted that the testimony of Saint Francis remains relevant today because of his radical evangelism. Speaking on the 800th anniversary of the saint's death, the Archbishop of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gualdo Tadino and Foligno observed that following the example of Francis means looking to Christ to better live out human nature.

Accrocca clarified that Francis did not actually refer to himself as a little poor man, a title later popularized by the Actus beati Francisci. Instead, Francis described himself as a little one. The archbishop explained that while the modern world prizes power and greatness, Francis emphasized smallness, a concept reflected in his followers calling themselves Minorites.

Accrocca stated that Francis viewed poverty through a theological lens, seeing it as a way to follow Christ, who became poor and obedient. For Francis, all actions were rooted in the imitation of Christ's humility.