Exhibition in Rome Showcases 800 Years of St. Francis's 'Canticle of the Creatures'

Rome, October 29, 2024: Rome is celebrating the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s "Canticle of the Creatures" with the first-ever public display of its oldest copy at the Museo di Roma from October 2, 2024 until January 6, 2025. This historic exhibition features 93 books and works from the Library in Assisi, showcasing the significance of the Canticle, composed in 1224, which reflects St. Francis's deep appreciation for creation.

Curated by Dr. Paolo Capitanucci, the exhibition not only honours the renowned text but also emphasizes the contributions of the Franciscans over the centuries to various disciplines. According to Dr. Capitanucci, the exhibition aims to illustrate how the inspiration from the Canticle has influenced fields we now consider scientific, such as mathematics, medicine and geography. The exhibit is organized into nine sections that mimic the structure of a tree: the roots symbolize the Canticle’s inspiration, the trunk represents the philosophical and theological teachings of medieval universities and the branches highlight the diverse sciences that emerged from this foundation.

Originally penned by the founder of the Franciscan Order, the Canticle is regarded as one of the oldest texts in Italian literature. Comprising 23 verses, it celebrates different elements of creation, including the sun, moon, wind and water, underscoring St. Francis's enduring legacy in both spiritual and scientific realms.

Courtesy: Vatican News