800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi commemorated at the Catholic University of Croatia

A scientific conference marking the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi was held at the Catholic University of Croatia on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, focusing on the enduring relevance of his message of fraternity. The event was organised by the Catholic University of Croatia, the Embassy of the Italian Republic, the Apostolic Nunciature in the Republic of Croatia and the Italian Cultural Institute in Zagreb.

The ceremony began with a prayer led by the University Chaplain, Rev. Branimir Jagodić, followed by welcoming addresses from the Apostolic Nuncio to the Republic of Croatia, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli; the Ambassador of the Italian Republic, Paolo Trichilo; Msgr. Marco Malizia, Ecclesiastical Adviser to the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; and the Rector of the Catholic University of Croatia, Professor Željko Tanjić, PhD.

In his address, Rector Tanjić emphasised that the Franciscan message of fraternity calls us to recognise others as our brothers and sisters, particularly at a time of profound social divisions and conflicts. “Fraternity is possible because it does not eliminate differences or demand uniformity, but teaches us how to preserve differences without allowing them to become a cause of conflict,” he stated, stressing that fraternity is not an unattainable ideal but a reality we are called to live out in our everyday relationships.

The keynote lecture, entitled “Francis of Assisi and the possibility of fraternity: From coexistence to communion and fraternity”, was delivered by Professor Friar Lorenzo Turchi, PhD, from the Pontifical University Antonianum in Rome. Drawing on the writings of Saint Francis, he explored fraternity as a concrete expression of Gospel life, highlighting the importance of personal conversion, acceptance of others, gratitude and forgiveness. “Fraternity, therefore, is neither an acquired reality nor an imagined ideal, but a form (a way) of living the Gospel that must constantly be chosen, safeguarded and renewed,” Turchi emphasised, noting that, even eight centuries after his death, Saint Francis continues to inspire the building of genuine communion among people. The full lecture is available HERE.

The programme continued with a roundtable discussion featuring Professor Friar Ante Vučković, PhD, and Associate Professor Friar Stipo Kljajić, PhD. The discussion was moderated by Professor Friar Ante Crnčević, PhD, Vice-Rector for Quality, Identity and Mission at the Catholic University of Croatia.

The conference was attended by Cardinal Josip Bozanić, bishops, representatives of Franciscan and other religious communities, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the academic community and numerous distinguished guests.

The programme also featured an exhibition of student photography entitled “Francis's imprint: 800 years later”. The anniversary commemoration concluded with a concert of medieval sacred music performed by the Italian ensemble Micrologus - Giullari di Dio, featuring selected Italian laude (songs of praise) and a musical reconstruction of the “Canticle of Brother Sun”.