VATICAN - Cardinal Nicora, Papal Legate for the Papal Basilicas of Assisi, a month after the visit by Pope Benedict XVI: “The Pope reminded us that the ‘mystery’ of Francis can only be understood in Jesus and starting from Jesus”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - A month ago on June 17 Pope Benedict XVI made a one day pastoral visit to Assisi. In a preface to a collection of the Pope's addresses on that occasion Cardinal Attilio Nicora, Legate for the papal basilicas in Assisi, speaks of the profound significance of that day (Benedetto XVI - Solo l'Infinito riempie il cuore. Le parole del Papa pellegrino ad Assisi - Edizioni Porziuncola, Assisi 2007).
“Pope Benedict XVI's intense day on June 17 was a singular manner to express the charisma proper to the successors of St peter the Apostle, to "confirm the brothers and sisters in the faith".
The Cardinal writes that Benedict XVI spoke of the great figure of Francis of Assisi, precious heritage of holiness for the whole Church. The Pope visited the most evocative places of St Francis' path of conversion to full assimilation to Christ crucified out of love. The Pope reminded us that the mystery of Francis can only be understood in Jesus and from Jesus. The encounter with Jesus and being his disciple made Francis a singularly new man: if we were to forget that he lived in Jesus and for Jesus, and therefore his commitment to live like Him in the pure form of the Gospel, we wound simply not understand Francis.
Moving from this Christ centred identity, the figure of the great saint of Assisi is not unduly 'canonised' nor robbed of his multiform originality. Instead they find all their newness in the great traits celebrated by history, piety and art: love for the Church, for "Signor Papa", for bishops, priests ministers of the Eucharist; trust in every person; sharing the lot of "minorities" the excluded; announcement of forgiveness for all; dialogue with non Christians as an admirable interweaving of passion for the truth of Jesus and discreet and patient respect for others; transparency of heart which acknowledges the essence of God in every creature associated in the hymn of thanks and praise.
The Pope gave us a Francis in his original truth and his ever captivating message. He did this sharing his personal familiarity with the great saint of Assisi, making his teaching a testimony and call us to make a passionate rediscovery. The Pope's addresses contained in this publication presented by the Friars Minor of the Porziuncola, will say better and more to those will read them with love. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 18/7/2007; righe 35, parole 475)