On October 10, 2026, as part of the celebrations marking the 800th anniversary of the transitus of St. Francis of Assisi, the City of Cortona, Italy, organized a conference entitled Francis Without Borders, focusing on the missionary presence of the three branches of the Franciscan First Order in Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
The conference took place at the Sant’Agostino Conference Center in Cortona. It brought together numerous Franciscan friars and sisters from communities across the region of Tuscany, civil and religious authorities, scholars, and others interested in the life of St. Francis of Assisi.
The day began with words of welcome from Luciano MEONI, Mayor of Cortona, followed by opening remarks from Friar Guido FINESCHI, OFM, Minister Provincial of the Friars Minor in Tuscany, and Friar Antonio PICCIALLO, OFMCap, Minister Provincial of the Capuchin Franciscans in Tuscany. Friar Mario PANCONI, OFM, then offered reflections on Franciscan spirituality and missionary work.
Also present were Friar Antonio DI MARCANTONIO, OFM Conv., from the friar community situated in Italy’s Arezzo Province, and Friar Sergio GALDI D’ARAGONA, OFM, from the Custody of the Holy Land. The conference was moderated by Rita ANDREANI and Paolo GIULIERINI.
The lectures offered an overview of Franciscan missionary experiences across various continents. Friar Paolo FIASCONARO, OFM Conv., gave the first lecture. In it, he described the Conventual Franciscan presences in Asia, focusing on the missions in Indonesia, Japan, Korea, India, the Philippines, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Particular attention was given to the mission in China, on the occasion of the centennial of its foundation (1925–2025). Friar Paolo also recounted his own ten-year missionary experience on the banks of the Tiber River in Rome.
The second lecture focused on Franciscan missions in Latin America, particularly Brazil, and was delivered by two Capuchin Franciscan friars, Friars Francesco MORI and Renato CAMAGNI.
The final lecture was by Sister Maria Francesca FEDERICI, a Poor Clare missionary sister who spoke about her missionary experience in Africa.
It was an intensive and meaningful day in a town deeply rooted in the Franciscan tradition. Cortona is home to Friar Elias and St. Margaret. It also preserves the Hermitage of Le Celle, a place closely associated with St. Francis.
The conference also provided an opportunity to learn more about the numerous Franciscan missionary communities that, for eight centuries, have borne witness to the Gospel in distant lands and continue to spread the freshness and relevance of the message and charism of St. Francis of Assisi throughout the world.
Friar Paolo FIASCONARO
