The Republic of San Marino hosts, yesterday 3 June and today 4 June, in the Aula Magna of the University of San Marino Fausta Morganti, the General Assembly of the ATS Saint Francis’ Ways, the international aggregation of which San Marino she is vice-president, created to support and present the candidacy of St Francis’ ways, both physical and virtual, as a European Cultural Itinerary.

“It will be an opportunity – explains the Secretariat to the Territory – to take stock of the many initiatives undertaken but to outline mainly the actions relating to the presentation of the candidacy in the next session of the Council of Europe.

Le Vie di Francesco, connecting the typical places of the presence of Francis of Assisi, in addition to expressing the considerable influence of the Franciscan movement in Europe, constitutes a characterizing part of the European physiognomy not only from a religious point of view but also in economics, science, architecture, welfare and social works “.

The President of the ATS Mons.Paolo Giulietti, current archbishop of Lucca is also the author of the historical guide of the Via di Francesco and among the leading experts on the issues relating to the paths and to the pilgrimage routes that now constitute the backbone of one of the most important assets of international tourism.

Yesterday morning, Msgr. Giulietti, the Secretary of State for Tourism of the Republic of San Marino Federico Pedini Amati, Lazzaro Rossini representing the Secretariat of State for Culture and Karen Venturini for the University of San Marino presented the two days of conference meetings press.

Federico Pedini Amati (Secretary of State for Tourism): “With great pleasure we will welcome the General Assembly of Saint Francis ‘Ways, the international aggregation created for guests and to host the candidacy of the Vie di Francesco Turismo – Saint Francis’ Ways, physical and virtual, as European Cultural Route. Le Vie di Francesco, connecting the typical places of the presence of Francis of Assisi, in addition to expressing the considerable influence of the Franciscan movement in Europe, constitutes a characterizing part of the European physiognomy not only from a religious point of view but also in economics, science, architecture, welfare and social works. I want to thank the President Mons. Paolo Giulietti, Archbishop of Lucca, one of the most acute experts on the issues relating to pilgrimage paths and routes and remember that the Republic of San Marino today holds the vice-presidency of the Association. Ours, a Republic founded by a Saint who reached these territories by moving from Dalmatia, cannot fail to take into account the spiritual, cultural and tourist value of the great historical and religious paths and pilgrimages. It is an interest in developing the projects of Saint Francis Way also for tourism, and therefore our interest, guaranteeing the gravel sector and paths, guaranteeing to those who run the routes of the services crossing or approaching the Republic of San Marino all the regulars who are looking for and maximum support. Today hosting the general assembly of St. Francis’ways, in addition to making us proud, allows us to feel part of this great project which has taken on an international character and which has moved from the pilgrimage to numerous other themes. This ancient, but at the same time renewed, form of tourism will always find a home in the Republic of San Marino ”.

Msgr. Paolo Giulietti (Archbishop of Lucca and President Saint Francis’ways): “The project is fundamental for Europe today for the moment it is experiencing, characterized by the challenges of peace, the safeguarding of creation and an equitable economy. Franciscan culture offers important resources and the network of paths allows us to experience them. Above all, young people look to Europe, witnessing that it can promote a different civilization, recovering from the cultural heritage values ​​and ideals capable of building a better society ”.

Lazzaro Rossini (Secretariat of State for Education and Culture): “The nave of any church represents the path of man towards God, a path that is possible in nature. This explains the value of paths and the paths of pilgrims who in the world, as in a great Church, trace the path to God ”.