Baturi presides First Vespers for 800th anniversary of San Francisco's death

Giuseppe Baturi, the Archbishop of Cagliari and Secretary General of the Italian Episcopal Conference, presided over the first vespers for the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis on October 3. The service took place at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Assisi as part of the solemn commemoration of the saint's passing.

During his homily, Baturi stated that modern culture often hides, removes, or treats death as a problem to be managed. He noted that the testimony of saints can help people face the mystery of death to better understand the meaning of life. Baturi highlighted how St. Francis welcomed death as a "sister" rather than avoiding it, a stance he linked to the saint's desire to identify with the crucified Lord.

Baturi emphasized that the Church's mission is to provide a presence by staying close to those who suffer without rushing to resolve their situation. He argued that no life lacks value, even as it fades, and called for the Church to focus on proximity, protection, and care.