On the evening of December 15, 2025, the national premiere of the play “Francesco” took place among Giotto’s frescoes in the upper church of the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi. The play recounts the life of St. Frances on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of his death. It was performed by Aldo CAZZULLO, with music by Maestro Angelo BRANDUARDI in collaboration with Fabio VALDEMARIN.
Friar Giulio CESAREO, OFM Conv., is the Director of Communications for the Sacred Convent. “The Franciscan churches,” he declared “were always more than places of worship —they were true areopagi—spaces where city communities gathered, debated, and, through the friars’ mediation, forged municipal pacts and agreements among professional and social groups. Today, art undoubtedly serves as one such areopagus, a realm where social bonds are strengthened through relationships and the pursuit of shared goals. Hosting the play by Aldo CAZZULLO and Angelo BRANDUARDI and seeing it performed in the Basilica was a valuable experience. This retelling of St. Francis’ story invited everyone present to be inspired by his life and to discover his relevance, so that in our day, we might experience a turn toward respect, solidarity, and care for our common home.”
To add to this event, the “Sultan’s Horn” was displayed on stage. According to tradition, this relic is the same ivory horn that St. Francis received as a gift from Sultan al-Malik al-Kāmil during their meeting in Damietta in 1219. A symbol of friendship and interreligious dialogue, it was used to call people to prayer and is preserved and regularly displayed in the Chapel of St. Nicholas in the lower church of the Basilica. The Chapel also features frescoes by Giotto.
Among the many attendees in the Basilica was a special guest, Lorenzo CHERUBINI, also known as the singer JOVANOTTI. He was accompanied by some family members. The Custos of the Sacred Convent, Friar Marco MORONI, during his opening remarks for the evening, invited the singer to return to Assisi in 2026 for the grand Franciscan centenary.
The play “Francesco” was adapted from Aldo CAZZULLO’s book, “Francesco; Il Primo Italiano” (published by HarperCollins Italy). The book has topped the sales charts since September and is the best-selling nonfiction book of 2025. It was promoted by Corvino Productions and Lungomare in collaboration with the television production company Stand by Me.
Press Office – Andrea ROSSI
Sacred Convent of St. Francis
