# Abu Dhabi marks St. Francis’ 800th death anniversary

> Abu Dhabi celebrates St. Francis’ legacy of peace and dialogue at 800th anniversary event.
- Title: Abu Dhabi marks St. Francis’ 800th death anniversary
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: abu dhabi, st francis, italy, italian cultural institute, apostolic vicariate of southern arabia, united arab emirates, interreligious dialogue, sustainable art, religion, world, Abu, Dhabi
- Source: Vaticannews — https://vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-10/abu-dhabi-celebrates-800th-anniversary-saint-francis-assisi.html
- Author: Vatican News
- Published: 2026-10-20T12:57:51.658+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: abu dhabi, st francis, italy, italian cultural institute, apostolic vicariate of southern arabia, united arab emirates, interreligious dialogue, sustainable art, religion, world
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.