Franziskus-Jahr: Italien feiert Franz von Assisi - samt neuem Feiertag
Seit 800 Jahren ist er tot. Doch in seiner Heimatstadt begegnet man dem Bettelheiligen überall. Die katholische Kirche hat für ihn ein Jubeljahr ausgerufen. Und auch vom Staat gibt es einen Bonus.
Italia celebrates St. Francis - with a new holiday
A brown-robed figure sits in the Via San Francesco in Assisi, accompanied by a white dove - an image of Saint Francis. One might think this was a monument, one of many tributes to the city's most famous son. However, the figure suddenly twinkles, revealing it to be a real person. This occurs in the 27,500-person Umbrian town, three hours from Rome, where many earn good money, alongside street performers and business owners.
Assisi attracts both pilgrims and tourists, with 1.7 million overnight guests and an estimated 5 million day-trippers visiting last year. The 4th of October, exactly 800 years since Saint Francis died, is celebrated as his death anniversary. Pope Leo XIV declared a "Year of Francis" for the 800th anniversary, which brought even more people, including 400,000 in February and March. For the first time in centuries, his mortal remains were on display.
The Catholic-led government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has declared the 4th of October a nationwide holiday, including in future years. Some attribute this to the upcoming Italian elections, possibly in October. The Catholic country has had a holiday on this day before - between 1958 and 1977. It was abolished then. Meloni explains the return to old traditions saying that Francis is a beloved saint, representing the entire nation.
For Assisi, the jubilee year means gratitude. Artist Antonio Minzolini, who sells his paintings in a shop downtown, says Francis is more important than Jesus and Mary for him. Other business owners also welcome the visitors. Laura Ferreti, a vendor at an ice cream shop, admits it's tiring, but she must serve the many customers. Pilgrims come to pray and experience the atmosphere.
The town's parish priest, Benjamin Rinkart, wants to visit the grave, pray, and witness the festivity. Francis is seen as a figure who brought change to the Catholic Church without opposing it. He grew up as a warrior but transformed into a peacemaker. Assisi showcases how cultures enriched each other without dividing in the past 2,000 years of Catholic church history.
The state president Sergio Mattarella is expected to attend the celebrations on the 4th of October. Pope Leo XIV won't be there, as he was already present in August.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
