In the Shadow of St. Francis: Pilgrims Flock to Assisi as Pope Francis Battles Pneumonia

A Town Steeped in History and Spirituality

As Pope Francis entered his third week in the hospital battling pneumonia, hundreds of pilgrims continued to make their way to the hilltop town of Assisi, Italy. This medieval town, largely unchanged since the birth of its namesake saint over 840 years ago, has become a beacon of hope and reflection for people from around the world. Pilgrims from the United States, Ukraine, and across Italy walked the cobblestone streets lined with grey and brown stone houses, drawn by the timeless teachings of St. Francis. His message of love for the poor, peace, and creation resonates deeply with the faithful, including Pope Francis, who chose the saint’s name as a guiding principle for his papacy.

Pilgrims like Rev. Paul Vu, who brought a group of 50 Vietnamese-American parishioners from Santa Ana, California, spoke of how St. Francis’ life embodies the essence of holiness. “The life of St. Francis teaches us that the way to holiness is giving up oneself, letting go of worldly attachments, and offering ourselves to the Lord,” Vu said. This message of simplicity and devotion continues to inspire millions, including Pope Francis, who has made care for the poor and the environment central to his teachings.

The Life and Legacy of St. Francis

St. Francis of Assisi was born in 1182 to a wealthy family in this picturesque Italian town. His life took a dramatic turn when, while praying before a crucifix, he heard a divine call to reform the Church. Renouncing his wealthy upbringing, he strips off his clothes in front of his disapproving father, choosing a life of radical poverty and service to God. The Santuario della Spogliazione, a simple stone church on the hillside, marks this pivotal moment. His decision to embrace poverty and advocate for the poor led to the foundation of the Franciscan order, one of the largest and most influential religious orders in the Catholic Church.

St. Francis’ legacy extends far beyond his radical renunciation of material wealth. He is remembered for his love of nature and his efforts to promote peace, even in the midst of conflict. During the Crusades, he famously befriended a Muslim sultan, setting an example of interfaith dialogue that resonates to this day. For Bishop Domenico Sorrentino of Assisi, St. Francis’ rejection of materialism was not just a spiritual choice but also a deep appreciation for creation. “Francis, stripping himself, came back to nature in some sense. We must receive nature as a gift of God and respect this gift,” Sorrentino said.

A Pilgrimage of Peace and Reflection

Assisi has become a place of pilgrimage for those seeking peace, both within themselves and in the world. For Elizabeth Nuñez, a Passionist sister from Colombia, Assisi is “the place to pray for peace.” Pilgrims like Nuñez find solace in the town’s spiritual atmosphere, which is deeply intertwined with St. Francis’ teachings. The Basilica of St. Francis, adorned with frescoes by Giotto, stands as a testament to the saint’s enduring influence. These iconic artworks, which revolutionized Western art with their realism and depth, depict key moments in St. Francis’ life, including his renunciation of wealth.

Visitors also find inspiration in the surrounding landscape, which St. Francis cherished as a reflection of God’s creation. Dora Pell, a 75-year-old pilgrim from England, described walking in the woods near Assisi as a deeply moving experience, comparable to sitting by the saint’s tomb. “It’s a spirituality based on love and inclusiveness,” she said. “It’s seeing Christ everywhere, in everything and everybody.” This sense of unity and interconnectedness lies at the heart of St. Francis’ teachings and continues to inspire pilgrims today.

The Connection Between St. Francis and Pope Francis

When Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pope in 2013, he chose the name Francis in honor of the saint who had inspired his life’s work. “He explained it very simply,” said Rev. Enzo Fortunato, who leads the Vatican’s committee on World Children’s Day. “He chose Francis because he is the man of peace, of the poor, of brotherhood, and someone who loves and respects creation. It’s a name that contains a life program.” Pope Francis’ papacy has been marked by a commitment to these ideals, evident in his encyclicals and teachings.

One of his most notable works, Laudato Si’, takes its title from St. Francis’ “Canticle of Creatures,” a poetic praise of God through nature. In this encyclical, Pope Francis calls for global action to protect the environment, emphasizing that creation is a gift from God to be cherished, not exploited. This year marks the 800th anniversary of the “Canticle of Creatures,” a fitting reminder of St. Francis’ enduring relevance in addressing modern challenges.

Assisi: A Hub of Art, History, and Holiness

Assisi is more than just a spiritual destination; it is a treasure trove of art and history. The Basilica of St. Francis, with its stunning Giotto frescoes, is a masterpiece of medieval art that has survived centuries, including a devastating earthquake in 1997. Across town, the Basilica di Santa Chiara honors St. Clare, who followed St. Francis’ example of radical poverty and founded the Poor Clares order, now present in 70 countries. The town also attracts visitors with its charming shops selling religious items, including votive statues of St. Francis.

In the Santuario della Spogliazione lies the shrine of Blessed Carlo Acutis, an Italian teenager who will become the church’s first millennial saint when canonized in April. This adds to Assisi’s reputation as “a condensation of holiness in a small town,” as Fortunato put it. The town’s rich history and spiritual significance continue to inspire visitors, linking them to the timeless teachings of its beloved saint.

A Legacy of Love and Inclusivity

St. Francis’ story is one of radical love and simplicity, and his teachings continue to resonate in a world grappling with division and environmental crises. For pilgrims and Catholics around the globe, he represents the essence of the Gospel, a reminder that faith is lived through compassion, humility, and care for creation. As Pope Francis recuperates, the prayers of those who flock to Assisi are not only for his recovery but also for a world that reflects the values of peace, brotherhood, and stewardship that St. Francis so beautifully embodied.

In the words of Rev. Enzo Fortunato, “In the end, Francis is pure Gospel. He’s the good news.” And as the world continues to face its challenges, the legacy of St. Francis and the pilgrims who follow in his footsteps remind us that love, simplicity, and hope remain the most powerful forces for change.