Assisi to welcome thousands of pilgrims for 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ death

Assisi will host thousands of pilgrims from October 3 to 4 to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis. The celebrations include liturgical services, cultural events, charitable initiatives, and a traditional procession at the Porziuncola. A central part of the observance is the Transitus, which commemorates the final hours of St. Francis before he died.

Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, the archbishop of Bologna and president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, will celebrate a solemn Mass on the saint's feast day, October 4. Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, the papal legate for the basilicas of Assisi, will attend the Mass. Italian President Sergio Mattarella is also scheduled to visit the city on October 4.

The anniversary activities began on September 24 and continue through October 5. Felice Accrocca, the bishop of Assisi, said the saint remains a source of fascination for people across different cultures due to his interpretation of the Gospel and his focus on peace, fraternity, and hope. Accrocca noted that Francis' work regarding interfaith dialogue and care for the environment remains relevant to modern concerns.