FRANCIS OF ASSISI 2026 SYMBOL OF PEACE
One Holy Year ends and another begins: this time it is specially dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, affectionately known as “Il Poverello” (the Little Poor Man),
2026, in fact, is the eighth centenary of the death of St. Francis, the saint who, more than any other, symbolizes peace, tolerance and reconciliation.
St. Francis is best known in modern times through his affinity with all forms of life and his love of Nature. His active role as a peacemaker is less well known. According to several sources, he travelled to North Africa during the 5th Crusade in 1216 in order to meet the Muslim leader, Sultan al-Malik al-Kamil and to promote the Christian cause and end the conflict. His mission was largely unsuccessful. The Sultan, an intelligent and educated man, appreciated the Poverello's sincerity. He listened but was not converted to the Christian faith. However, they parted with demonstrations of mutual respect and he gave Francis and his accompanying monks safe passage through Muslim lands on their way back home.
M. STENHOUSE
Source: BOLLETTINO Sala Stampa della Santo Sede https://press.vatican.va
