The presence of Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the President of the Republic, ambassadors, and the presidents of the Regions and of the provincial capitals
ASSISI, 1 October – This year’s celebration of the Feast of Saint Francis, Patron Saint of Italy, at the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi will feature a number of distinctive elements that set it apart from previous editions, as it takes place during the eighth centenary of the Saint’s death. Set out below is the full programme of celebrations, with particular attention to the features specific to the 2026 edition.
3 October
Approximately 11.30 p.m. – Arrival of the Walking with Francis pilgrimage
More than 2,000 participants are expected.
11.59 p.m. – Festive peal of the Basilica bells
Midnight – Holy Mass in the Lower Basilica, presided over by Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Pontifical Legate for the Papal Basilicas of Assisi (live streamed on @BasilicaSanFrancescodAssisi and on Facebook SAN FRANCESCO D’ASSISI). The celebration will also be broadcast on large screens outside the Basilica.
4 October
6.00 a.m. – Holy Mass with the friars’ community, presided over by Fr Carlos Alberto Trovarelli, Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, regarded as the 120th successor of Saint Francis in the leadership of the Order (live streamed on the official YouTube channel @BasilicaSanFrancescodAssisi and on the SAN FRANCESCO D’ASSISI Facebook page)
6.50 a.m. – Prayers of the faithful offered at the Saint’s Tomb, led by the Custos and the friars of the community (live streamed on the official YouTube channel @BasilicaSanFrancescodAssisi and on the SAN FRANCESCO D’ASSISI Facebook page). The faithful may also light a virtual candle to Saint Francis and share their prayers via the dedicated link https://festadisanfrancesco.it/
8.30–9.45 a.m. – Special coverage of the feast and welcome to the official procession
Live streaming from the square in front of the Basilica and the Upper Piazza of Saint Francis, including the welcome to the civic procession and the arrival of the President of the Republic, together with interviews with pilgrims and distinguished guests, as well as features, stories and insights into the 2026 celebrations. Hosted by Fr Riccardo Giacon, OFMConv, Fr Nico Melato, OFMConv, and Daniele Morini (live streamed on the official YouTube channel @BasilicaSanFrancescodAssisi and on the SAN FRANCESCO D’ASSISI Facebook page, and shared with broadcasters in the conCoralloTv network)
9.45 a.m. – Solemn Mass, the offering of oil, and the lighting of the Votive Lamp of the Municipalities of Italy (live on RAI 1)
The oil will be offered by the Region of Umbria. For the first time, the Lamp will be lit by the Mayor of Assisi, Valter Stoppini, on behalf of all Italian municipalities and of the nation as a whole. The liturgy will be presided over by Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna and President of the Italian Episcopal Conference.
Traditionally, the oil is offered in rotation by a guest Italian region, and the Lamp is lit by the mayor of that region’s capital city, while the liturgy is presided over by the President of the corresponding Regional Bishops’ Conference.
On this exceptional occasion, the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, will also be present, together with the Presidents of the Regions and the mayors of Italy’s provincial capitals, representing the Italian people of whom Saint Francis is Patron.
Ambassadors and representatives of countries accredited to the Italian Republic will also attend, underscoring the universal significance of Saint Francis, whose message transcends the boundaries of the Italian state and culture.
11.20 a.m. – Addresses from the Loggia of the Sacred Convent
- Fr Marco Moroni, OFMConv, Custos of the Sacred Convent, on behalf of the Franciscan Family
- Sergio Mattarella, President of the Republic
(live on RAI 1 and live streamed on the official YouTube channel @BasilicaSanFrancescodAssisi and on the SAN FRANCESCO D’ASSISI Facebook page, and shared with broadcasters in the conCoralloTv network)
12 noon – Live broadcast in the square of Pope Leo XIV’s Angelus on giant screens
Ordinarily, the addresses from the Loggia include remarks by the Minister General of the Friars Minor Conventual, the President of the guest Region, a representative of the national government, the Bishop of Assisi–Nocera Umbra–Gualdo Tadino, and the Mayor of Assisi.
4.00 p.m. – Solemn Second Vespers and procession
The celebration of Vespers will be followed by a procession from the Lower Basilica to the forecourt of the Upper Basilica, presided over by Archbishop Felice Accrocca, Bishop of Assisi–Nocera Umbra–Gualdo Tadino and of Foligno. During the celebration, olive branches will be distributed as a sign of peace, and a blessing will be imparted upon Italy and the world from the Basilica’s cupola. The service will conclude with the singing of the Canticle of the Creatures, set to music by Fr Domenico Stella, OFMConv, and performed on the forecourt of the Upper Basilica by the Choir of the Papal Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, conducted by Fr Peter Hrdy, OFMConv (live streamed on the official YouTube channel @BasilicaSanFrancescodAssisi and on the SAN FRANCESCO D’ASSISI Facebook page, and shared with broadcasters in the conCoralloTv network).
This press release also includes a link to an exclusive interview with Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi on the meaning of the Feast of Saint Francis for the Church and for Italian society, together with personal reflections connected to the Saint: The Gospel Without Additions”: Cardinal Zuppi on Saint Francis, Patron Saint of Italy
Press Note
Journalists wishing to attend the celebrations on 4 October 2026 are kindly requested to apply for accreditation no later than 5.00 p.m. on Friday 2 October by completing the form available at the following link: Registration 4 October 2026 – journalists They are also invited to register for the preview tour of the principal celebration sites reserved for members of the press, scheduled for 3 October at 1.30 p.m.
For security and access reasons, press passes must be collected strictly between 9.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. on 2 and 3 October, and no later than 8.00 a.m. on 4 October, from the Press Office of the Sacred Convent.
Before the beginning of the celebration, access to the Basilica will be granted only to photographers and camera operators, and only until 9.00 a.m., accompanied by staff from the Press Office of the Sacred Convent. Access for all other accredited journalists will likewise be coordinated by the Press Office. Press Office facilities will remain available to accredited media representatives throughout 4 October, from 7.00 a.m. onwards.
All press materials will be distributed by email under embargo.
A MEDIA PRESS KIT 4 OCTOBER is already available and contains useful background materials, including texts and photographs, on the feast, its traditions, and the distinctive features of the 2026 edition. The folder is being updated on an ongoing basis.
The 2026 Feast of Saint Francis is held under the patronage and with the support of the National Committee for the Celebration of the Eighth Centenary of the Death of Saint Francis of Assisi—chaired by the poet Davide Rondoni—as well as with the support of the Region of Umbria and the City of Assisi.
