Everyone has heard of Francis of Assisi (1181-1226). Born into a wealthy family,

his father was a hugely successful silk merchant. At first, it looked like Francis

would espouse his father’s business. Francis was into everything and anything

gallant! His friends called him the “party king.” After various experiences of a

spiritual nature, however, Francis gradually took a different path. Increasing

conflict with his father finally led him to renounce publicly his family and

inheritance. He stripped himself naked and gave back even his clothes. A “new”

Francis was born who chose to follow Jesus in radical poverty and humility.

We associate Francis today with causes like poverty, the environment and

animals. Yet, the focus of Francis’ conscious life was simply Jesus. He has even

been dubbed “the second Christ”, such was the radical way in which he lived the

Gospel of love and joy.

I have just had a wonderful week in Assisi. It’s a small city which looks and feels

medieval. It enchants and has a warmth which draws you in. The tomb of St.

Francis is there, visited every year by millions of people of all ages, walks of life,

religious views and social status. Clearly, something of the authenticity of Francis’

witness to Jesus still seems to attract today.

One youngster attracted to Francis, some 800 years later, is now himself drawing

crowds of, especially young, people to Assisi. Carlo Acutis is his name. He found

his own way of living the radicalism of Francis during his short life (1991-2006).

He was hugely popular at school, among the poor, with beggars and immigrants.

That was because his intense friendship with Jesus led him spontaneously to

treasure the unique dignity and originality of every person. That Jesus is “the

same today, yesterday and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8).