Assisi: The Provincial Minister of the Friars Minor of Umbria and Sardinia has described Assisi as a place where the Gospel of peace continues to inspire people, especially young generations, as Pope Leo XIV began his pastoral visit to the historic town on Thursday.
Fr. Marco Vianelli welcomed the Pope in Piazza Santa Maria degli Angeli at the start of a gathering with thousands of young people in front of the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels, which is home to the Porziuncola, one of the most treasured places in the Franciscan tradition.
Greeting Pope Leo XIV, Fr. Vianelli said the Porziuncola is a small yet deeply sacred place that was especially loved by Saint Francis of Assisi. He described it as the heart of a blessed land where the Gospel continues to be lived through simplicity, fraternity and peace.
The gathering formed part of the Go! Franciscan Youth Meeting 2026, which brought together thousands of young people from different parts of Europe for several days of prayer, reflection and fellowship. The event concluded on Thursday with the Pope's visit, making it one of the highlights of the celebrations marking the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis.
Fr. Vianelli reminded those present that it was at the Porziuncola where Saint Francis welcomed what he called "Sister Death" on October 3, 1226, a moment that remains deeply significant in Franciscan history. Eight centuries later, he said, the same place continues to attract pilgrims and young people seeking to deepen their faith and commitment to Christian values.
Reflecting on the youth gathering, the Provincial Minister said the participants had come together to share a journey of faith, hope and fraternity. He noted that the young people were not simply attending an event but were searching for meaningful ways to take an active role in the life of the Church and society.
According to Fr. Vianelli, today's young generation wants to move beyond being passive observers. Instead, they are looking for opportunities to become active participants who can make a positive difference in their communities by living out the message of the Gospel.
The Franciscan leader said Assisi continues to offer an important witness to the world because it reflects the values that Saint Francis embraced throughout his life. Those values of peace, humility, simplicity and fraternity remain relevant in a world facing conflict, division and uncertainty.
Pope Leo XIV's visit to Assisi comes during a special year of Franciscan commemorations and underlines the Vatican's continued encouragement for young Catholics to become builders of peace and hope. During his meeting with the youth, the Pope also encouraged them to build a civilisation founded on love rather than division, reminding them that authentic Gospel living calls for generosity, service and openness to others.
The atmosphere in Piazza Santa Maria degli Angeli reflected the joy of the occasion as young pilgrims from across Europe welcomed the Pope and celebrated their shared faith in one of Christianity's most important spiritual centres.
Concluding his welcome, Fr. Vianelli thanked Pope Leo XIV for making the visit to Assisi and described the Pope's presence as a source of encouragement for the Franciscan family and for all those taking part in the youth gathering.
He said the Pope's visit strengthens their mission of helping people become credible witnesses to the Gospel in their daily lives. Fr. Vianelli expressed hope that the experience of gathering in Assisi would inspire young people to return home with renewed faith, stronger hope and a deeper commitment to building communities marked by peace, fraternity and love, following the example of Saint Francis of Assisi.