To the General Ministers
of the Conference of the Franciscan Family
«Our sister death», exclaimed Saint Francis on 3 October 1226 at the Porziuncola, as he went towards her like a man finally at peace. Eight centuries have passed since the death of the Poor Man of Assisi who wrote Christ’s word of salvation in incisive characters in the hearts of the men of his time.
In remembering the significant anniversary of the VIII Centenary of his Transit, I wish to spiritually unite myself with the entire Franciscan Family and with those who will take part in the commemorative events, hoping that may the message of peace find a profound echo in the Church and society today.
Early in his evangelical life, he heard a calling: «The Lord revealed to me that we should say this greeting: “May the Lord give you peace”» (Testament 23).
With these essential words, he delivers to his Friars and to every believer the interior amazement that the Gospel had brought into his existence: peace is the sum of all God’s goods, a gift that comes down from Above. What an illusion it would be to think of building it with human strength alone! And yet it is an active gift, to be welcomed and experienced every day (See Pope Leo XIV, Address to the Diplomatic Corps, 16 May 2025).
It is the same greeting that the risen Lord addresses to his disciples, frightened and closed in the cenacle, on Easter evening: «Peace be with you» (Jn 20.19). It is not a courtesy formula, but the certain announcement of Christ’s victory over death. Like the voice of the Angels on Christmas night – “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those he loves” (Lk 2:14) – so the peace that the Seraphic Father announces is that which Christ himself has made resound between heaven and earth.
In this era, marked by many wars that seem interminable, by internal and social divisions that create distrust and fear, he continues to speak. Not because he offers technical solutions, but because his life indicates the authentic source of peace.
The Franciscan vision of peace is not limited to relationships between human beings, but embraces the whole of creation. Francis, who calls the sun “brother” and the moon “sister”, who recognizes in every creature a reflection of divine beauty, reminds us that peace must extend to the entire family of Creation. This insight resonates with particular urgency in our time, when the common home is threatened and groans under exploitation. Peace with God, peace between men and with Creation are inseparable dimensions of a single call to universal reconciliation.
Dear brothers, may the example and spiritual legacy of this Saint, strong in faith, firm in hope and ardent in active charity towards others, inspire in everyone the importance of trusting in the Lord, of to spend oneself in an existence faithful to the Gospel, to accept and illuminate every circumstance and action of life with faith and prayer.
In this Year of Grace, I wish give you a prayer so that Saint Francis of Assisi continues to instill perfect joy and harmony in all of us:
Saint Francis, our brother, you who eight hundred years ago
you went towards sister death like a pacified man,
intercede for us with the Lord.
You recognized true peace in the Crucifix of San Damiano,
teach us to seek in Him the source of all reconciliation that breaks down every wall.
You who, unarmed, crossed the war lines
and misunderstanding,
give us the courage to build bridges
where the world erects borders,
In this time plagued by conflicts and divisions,
intercede so that we become peacemakers:
disarmed and disarming witnesses of the peace that comes from Christ.
Amen
With these sentiments, I express fervent wishes of good especially for all of you who follow the charism of the Poverello d’Assisi and for those who will remember the anniversary of the dies natalis in various ways, while I heartily send the desired Apostolic Blessing.
