Decided: Italy reintroduces the feast day of St Francis

Italy is getting a new old public holiday: in future, St. Francis of Assisi will be honoured nationwide on 4 October. On Wednesday, the Senate, as the second chamber of parliament, voted in favour of the reintroduction of the so-called "St Francis' Day"; the Chamber of Deputies had previously voted in favour by a large majority. The new public holiday will be celebrated for the first time in 2026, on the 800th anniversary of the saint's death, but will then fall on a Sunday. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressly welcomed the decision. Her party Fratelli d "Italia and the small centre party Noi Moderati had tabled the motion.

The day of remembrance in honour of the national saint was introduced in 1958, but was abolished in 1977 as part of a public holiday reform. Epiphany, Corpus Christi and Ascension Day were also abolished at that time; Epiphany has since been reintroduced as a public holiday. With the new St Francis holiday, the annual number of national non-working days in Italy has risen to 13.

StFrancis of Assisi (around 1181-1226) is the patron saint of Italy and one of the most important figures in the Catholic Church. His ideal of radical poverty characterised religious orders such as the Franciscans, Capuchins and Poor Clares. Pope Francis (2013-2025) also chose his name in memory of the saint, who is regarded as a symbol of humility and simplicity. (KNA)