Zagreb is celebrating the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi

Zagreb is celebrating the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi

(ANSA) - ROMA, 28 OTT - To commemorate the eighth centenary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, the Italian Embassy in Croatia organized the conference “The Relevance of St. Francis: From Coexistence to Communion and Fraternity” in Zagreb, in collaboration with the Croatian Catholic University, which hosted the event, and the Apostolic Nunciature. The conference was followed by a concert by the Ensemble Micrologus—Giullari di Dio, organized by the Italian Cultural Institute, which offered a musical journey dedicated to the Canticle of the Creatures and the ancient melodies of the Italian lauda tradition. The conference proceedings were opened by the Italian Ambassador to Croatia, Paolo Trichilo; by Monsignor Marco Malizia, ecclesiastical advisor to the Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani; by the Apostolic Nuncio, Monsignor Leopoldo Girelli; and by the rector of the Catholic University of Croatia, Željko Tanjić. Fra Lorenzo Turchi of the Pontifical Antonianum University in Rome served as a speaker, engaging in a discussion with two Croatian professors from the universities of Split and Zagreb—both members of the Franciscan Order— on the Christian experience of St. Francis and how it can offer criteria for discernment in understanding certain dynamics of the present. The event drew a large audience and was attended by several civil and religious authorities, including Cardinal Emeritus of Zagreb Josip Bozanić, Ivan Mašina, advisor to the Croatian Minister of Foreign Affairs; and, representing the Ministry of Culture, Šime Jerčić, Director General of the Office of the Commission for Relations with Religious Communities. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Trichilo highlighted the attention given to St. Francis by Italian institutions and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as evidenced by the establishment of the national holiday on October 4 and the organization of dedicated events by the diplomatic corps. St. Francis, the ambassador emphasized, is a pivotal historical figure for Italian, European, and universal spirituality and culture. His message continues to be a source of inspiration that challenges us to reflect on the future and offers spiritual and ethical guidance for navigating the modern world. He then highlighted how the initiative takes on particular significance in Croatia, given the country’s Catholic tradition. Bishop Malizia conveyed greetings from Minister Tajani, expressing the minister’s satisfaction that the diplomatic network had accepted the invitation to promote initiatives on St. Francis and to focus on a spiritual and human witness capable of speaking to peoples, cultures, and traditions, and to contribute to the promotion of dialogue, peace, and fraternity. He also noted that Italy considers intercultural and interreligious dialogue an essential component of its international vision, emphasizing the important role played by cultural institutions, religious communities, and diplomacy—all united by the responsibility to safeguard peace through mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation. Bishop Malizia then expressed his appreciation for the conference, which represents not only a tribute to St. Francis but also a concrete opportunity to rediscover what unites us and to promote a culture of listening, solidarity, and peace. Read article...