Cardinal Parolin: Saint Francis Offers ‘Effective Therapy’ for Modern World

During a Mass in the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi on Sunday, March 15, 2026, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin highlighted the enduring relevance of Saint Francis of Assisi, stating his life continues to offer a path of humility, poverty, and fraternity for modern humanity. The cardinal described the saint’s example as an “effective therapy” for a world grappling with consumerism, anxiety, and conflict.

Relics Display Marks 800th Anniversary

Cardinal Parolin’s homily was delivered within the context of an extraordinary public display of relics of Saint Francis, organized to commemorate the 800th anniversary of his death. The relics will be on view until March 22, 2026, at the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, attracting pilgrims and the faithful from around the world to venerate the influential spiritual figure.

Addressing Contemporary Concerns

The cardinal emphasized that Saint Francis’s life provides answers to concerns prevalent in contemporary culture, including materialism, insecurity, and social tensions. He suggested that embracing the saint’s example can serve as a remedy for a society often driven by consumerism and the pursuit of material possessions.

The Appeal of Saint Francis: A Story of Humility

Cardinal Parolin referenced a story from the Foils, a medieval collection of stories about Saint Francis and his companions, to illustrate the source of his appeal. In the story, Brother Masseo questioned why so many were drawn to Saint Francis, despite his lack of physical stature, noble birth, or intellectual prowess. Saint Francis responded that God chose him precisely because of his humility and smallness. Despite his simplicity, his life profoundly impacted the culture of his time, inspiring artists like Giotto di Bondone and writers like Dante Alighieri.

Qualities of a Spiritual Leader

Drawing on the biography of Saint Francis written by Thomas of Celano, Cardinal Parolin identified key qualities that contributed to the saint’s spiritual magnetism. These included a meek, serene, and kind character, prudence in offering advice, faithfulness to responsibilities, a sober and contemplative spirit, and a God-centered life.

Three Pillars of Franciscan Spirituality

The Vatican Secretary of State highlighted three fundamental aspects of Franciscan spirituality that continue to resonate centuries later: perfect joy, highest poverty, and universal brotherhood. He explained that true joy, according to Saint Francis, stems not from external circumstances but from union with God and acceptance of life’s challenges with humility. His commitment to poverty was not merely asceticism but a way to identify with the poor and humble Christ. This lifestyle fostered a sense of brotherhood with all creation – people, animals, nature, and even death, which he referred to as “sister.”

The Canticle of Creatures and Times of Trial

Cardinal Parolin also noted that Saint Francis composed his famous Canticle of Creatures during a period of personal illness and social unrest. He found significance in the fact that the saint could praise the beauty of creation even amidst suffering and darkness. The cardinal drew a parallel to the present day, observing that the world currently faces similar challenges, with the “darkness of war” obscuring the “light of hope.”

A Path to Peace and Fraternity

In response to these challenges, Cardinal Parolin encouraged a renewed embrace of Franciscan spirituality as a means of finding inner peace and fostering fraternity among people. He asserted that the message of Saint Francis remains relevant because it proposes a life centered on simplicity, humility, trust in God, and universal love.

Concluding his homily, Cardinal Parolin led the faithful in prayer, asking God to illuminate “the darkness of the heart” and grant humanity faith, hope, charity, and humility. He invited all to see Saint Francis of Assisi as a guide for navigating the crises of the modern world and a path toward reconciliation, peace, and hope.