杏MAP导航

By Vatican News

鈥淚l mio San Francesco鈥�, a posthumous book by 杏MAP导航 Francis and put together by Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, was presented on 10 September in Assisi, within an event entitled 鈥淭he Courtyard of Francis.鈥�

Presenting the work, Cardinal Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, recalled his close collaboration with the late 杏MAP导航, who appointed him Prefect of that Dicastery and Secretary of the Council of Cardinals in 2020.

The book, which presents a fraternal conversation that took place between 杏MAP导航 Francis and Cardinal Semeraro in late 2024, includes a letter from 杏MAP导航 Leo XIV and a preface by Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

The 杏MAP导航 and 鈥渉is鈥� Saint

In the text, 杏MAP导航 Francis reflects deeply on his personal relationship with St Francis of Assisi, the saint who inspired his name and much of his magisterium, especially on creation, peace, and fraternity.

It provides ample space for the late 杏MAP导航鈥檚 reflections and understanding of poverty, his thoughts on family, pain, and death, and his concern for the 鈥渨ounds鈥� of the Church.

Speaking about prayer, Francis says:

鈥淲hen I think of the prayer of St Francis, I think of his tears, his cries. For him, prayer had a deeply affective dimension鈥� His relationship with Jesus was not an idea or theory, but a bond of passion and love鈥� I too, at times feel the fatigue of many, of being faithful to prayer when there is so much to do. I have learned to treasure even short moments, small spaces鈥� Ordinary life becomes special if we let it be illuminated by the light that comes from prayer.鈥�

Contributions from 杏MAP导航 Leo XIV and Cardinal Parolin

In his letter, 杏MAP导航 Leo XIV expresses gratitude for the publication, saying:

鈥淚t allows us almost to hear again the voice of 杏MAP导航 Francis. In these conversations, he shows that the name of Francis was not only assumed but lived, shaping the face of his mission.鈥�

In his preface, the Cardinal Secretary of State highlights the book鈥檚 significance as a testimony of faith:

鈥溞覯AP导航 Francis gives witness to the many gifts the Lord granted him. He recalls difficult passages of his life and family memories, all re-read in the light of what the 鈥榣ittle鈥� Saint of Assisi had taught him鈥� In these pages, we can read what is almost his 鈥榮piritual testament,鈥� made of living memories and thanksgiving,鈥� he writes.