If you had to recall the name of a well-known saint, who would come to mind?
For many people the answer is obvious: Saint Francis of Assisi.
His life’s work, the founding of the Franciscan Order, and his worldview, which is still deeply relevant today are widely known. His stories involving animals are easy to connect with, and his famous work, the Canticle of the Sun, is included in many school textbooks.
In 2026, the World commemorates the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis’s death, especially those who have found inspiration in his relationship with the living World and in his example for shaping their own life paths. The philosophy of tikkun is deeply connected to his legacy, as both are guided by a profound sense of responsibility towards creation.
Bones Hidden for 800 Years
In the Italian town of Assisi, the jubilee year brought a rare opportunity: for a brief period of just one month, the public was allowed to view the saint’s earthly remains. These have been preserved since 1230 in the basilica named after him, the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Hundreds of thousands of visitors came to see the relics, which are kept under a special nitrogen-filled glass enclosure. Despite the passing of 800 years, the bones are in remarkably good condition. According to members of the Franciscan Order who safeguard them, they clearly reflect Saint Francis’s life of devotion, one in which he was able to fully surrender both himself and his earthly existence.
The Brotherhood of All Creation
It is difficult to fully translate or summarize Saint Francis’s work, yet the legacy of one of the world’s most well-known advocates for animals remains timeless. His message, however, extended far beyond animals, it embraced all of creation. He taught that all living beings should coexist in peace.
According to legends, this is exactly what he asked of the wolf that had terrorized the town of Gubbio – and the story tells that peace was indeed restored.
The philosophy of tikkun draws from this same root. Saint Francis’s life provides a foundation for understanding the ultimate goal we strive towards. Through small, conscious steps, we can move closer to that goal: living in harmony with our environment.
The Legacy Lives On in Assisi
In Assisi, this spirit continues to live on. Our German partner, Pro Animale – which also operates with a tikkun-based mindset – maintains an animal sanctuary called Sorriso di San Francesco, meaning the smile of Saint Francis.
This institution is one of the most beautiful examples of how Saint Francis’s legacy continues in practice. A small island of peace, contributing in its own way to making the World a better place.
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