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

Assisi is preparing to welcome thousands of pilgrims Oct. 3–4 when the main celebrations marking the 800th anniversary of St. Francis' death will take place. On his feast day, Oct. 4, the city will also welcome the president of Italy, Sergio Mattarella.

A solemn Mass will be celebrated by Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, archbishop of Bologna and president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, with Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, the papal legate for the basilicas of Assisi, in attendance, Vatican News reported .

Activities surrounding the anniversary began on Sept. 24 and will run until Oct. 5. In addition to liturgical celebrations, cultural events and various charitable initiatives are being celebrated — among them the traditional procession dedicated to the saint at the Porziuncola.

One of the key moments will be the “Transitus,” the observance commemorating St. Francis' final hours before his death.

The new bishop of Assisi, Felice Accrocca, noted that the figure of the saint continues to spark wide interest.

“St. Francis continues to fascinate people from all continents and cultures, thanks to his radical interpretation of the Gospel and his vision of society…