From Vaticannews · Vatican News · · 1m 10s
Abu Dhabi marks St. Francis’ 800th death anniversary
Abu Dhabi celebrates St. Francis’ legacy of peace and dialogue at 800th anniversary event.
In brief
Abu Dhabi celebrates St. Francis’ legacy of peace and dialogue at 800th anniversary event. Abu Dhabi held a gathering on October 19, 2026, to honor St. Francis of Assisi’s 800th death anniversary through interreligious dialogue and environmental sustainability. Originally reported by Vaticannews.
800th anniversary event
Abu Dhabi held a gathering on October 19, 2026, to honor St. Francis of Assisi’s 800th death anniversary.
Bishop Martinelli’s opening
Bishop Paolo Martinelli opened with St. Francis’ greeting: 'May the Lord give you peace.'
“May the Lord give you peace.”
St. Francis’ writings
Bishop Martinelli described St. Francis’ writings as 'few and brief, but extraordinarily intense, profound, and in many ways groundbreaking.'
Fraternity and dialogue
St. Francis’ legacy includes fraternity, peace, and dialogue, reflecting a personal journey that transformed his life.
From conflict to fraternity
St. Francis initially aspired to chivalry and victory in battle but became a man of peace through failure and his encounter with Christ.
Legacy for the Gulf
Fr. Stefano Luca emphasized St. Francis’ social significance flows from his relationship with God, not philanthropy or environmentalism.
The key point
Abu Dhabi held a gathering on October 19, 2026, to honor St. Francis of Assisi’s 800th death anniversary through interreligious dialogue and environmental sustainability.
