“Assisi shows that ‘Christ’s Poor’ [those who suffer unjustly] are close to the hearts of Italians who have a kind, open, and inclusive spirit. Our ratings on television have demonstrated this with no ifs, ands or buts. So, like St. Francis, we say: ‘While we have time, let us do good.’ A loud cry for peace has arisen from Assisi.” Thus spoke Friar Enzo FORTUNATO, coordinator of “With the Heart, in the Name of Francis,” an annual solidarity concert/telethon produced by the Friars Minor Conventual of the Sacred Convent of St. Francis in Assisi.
The charity concert, hosted by Carlo CONTI, was broadcast live from the upper square of the Basilica of St. Francis on Saturday, May 24, 2025. The event was a great success and drew a record audience of 2,400,000 viewers, equal to an 18% share, with peaks reaching 24%—among the highest ever recorded. A rerun of the concert will be aired on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 4:15 p.m. on RAI1 [Italian public broadcasting].
One of the most moving moments of the evening was the testimony of the Pastor of the Church of the Holy Family, Father Gabriel ROMANELLI (Institute of the Incarnate Word), who spoke live from Gaza. He described the enormous humanitarian crisis affecting Christians, Orthodox, Muslims, and the entire civilian population in the Gaza Strip:
“These are terrible days with no improvement in sight,” said Father Gabriel. “There is nothing but shelling, death, and destruction. Many people of goodwill want this war to end for the sake of everyone in Palestine and Israel; unfortunately the signs are not encouraging. More than two million people live here—human beings with rights. We hope that the appeals of Pope Francis and Pope Leo will be heard.”
Friar Enzo FORTUNATO continued:
“Special thanks to RAI Prime Time Entertainment Director Williams DI LIBERATORE the entire RAI family, who, as always, provided their top professionals to make this solidarity event possible. Their commitment will continue into next week, as they use television and radio programming to support our effort to raise awareness among Italians about donating ‘With the Heart.’ Thanks also to Law Enforcement who, as always, ensured that the event took place safely. Thanks to Eni [an Italian global energy corporation] and Poste Italiane, [the Italian postal service] supporting partners of the initiative, and to the Sports and Cultural Credit Institute for their contribution. Thanks to Carlo CONTI and the artists. Thanks to those who shared their stories on stage: they helped us truly grasp what is happening around us.”
The solidarity telethon continues until June 22, 2025. To participate, simply send a text message from Italy or call from a landline to the number 45515, or donate online via the website www.conilcuore.info [Italian language only].
INFORMATION ON THE INITIATIVE AND HOW TO DONATE:
Website – www.conilcuore.info
Facebook: @conilcuoreassisi
X (Twitter): @francescoassisi
Instagram: @sanfrancescoassisi
Hashtag: #conilcuore
Press Room – Andrea ROSSI
Sacred Convent of St Francis
