I had the opportunity to participate in the Festival of Creatures in Assisi, representing my organization FRA. There, I gave a testimonial talk about how it is possible, for me, to have a spiritual connection with animals. I spoke about animals and spirituality, and the link between the two.

It was very encouraging to hear and meet scholars and animal advocates from Italy, to learn about their actions and initiatives for the conservation of species, and to see how they face the same issues we deal with in France : coexistence with wild animals like bears and wolves, and the power hunters have in government laws and decisions. I also met wonderful people running animal sanctuaries : Sara D’Angelo for Vitadacani Onlus Animal Sanctuary, Massimo Manni and Simone Scampoli for Capra Libera Tutti, and Natasha Vothke for Il Sorriso di San Francesco – Pro Animale Animal Sanctuary..

Events like this are very inspiring : they show that around the world there are people who recognize animals as sentient beings, who love them, and who take action to help and protect them. This gives energy to continue with this mission, makes us feel less lonely, and gives hope that a change in the way we see and consider animals is possible.

I was also encouraged to see officials from the city of Assisi present at the Festival, supporting the event and giving more visibility to animals in the city. They even said it was a revolution. Mayor Valter Stoppini underlined that Assisi can no longer postpone the adoption of Animal Welfare Regulations, a sign that this Festival may lead to concrete political change for animals in the very city of Saint Francis.

I share the dream of the organizers, Lorella Muzi, Reisa Perchta, and Rebecca Di Santo of Palindroma APS, together with Lars Pardo, to make Assisi a spiritual center for animals, where they will be respected and loved, honoring in this way a dimension of Saint Francis that is too often forgotten or not strongly highlighted : his love for animals.

The most special moment for me came after my talk, when Massimo from the sanctuary Capra Libera Tutti asked to share something that had just happened. He said that while I was speaking, he received a message from his best friend that his dog, Vito, had died the day before. His friend wondered if he would find Vito again in a possible paradise. Massimo connected this question with what I was saying about animals, spirituality, and also grief, the spiritual questions that arise after the loss of a companion animal. He shared that we had all brought comfort to his friend, thanking for this special moment and saying that it had been a beautiful experience in a place that is magical, Assisi. As Lars mentioned afterwards, it was Animal Chaplaincy in action without even knowing it.

I also visited Il Sorriso di Francesco, an animal sanctuary just a few minutes from Assisi. This sanctuary also has the potential to become a spiritual center honoring Saint Francis.

Why a Festival of Creatures ?

The Festival of Creatures took place on October 8–9, 2025, in the beautiful Sala della Conciliazione of the Palazzo dei Priori in Piazza del Comune, Assisi, a setting that added its own charm to the event.

The Festival of Creatures was created in Assisi to mark the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of the Creatures, continuing the message Francis left us : gratitude and respect for every form of life, and the invitation to see ourselves as part of a whole. Eight centuries later, this vision remains just as urgent and meaningful.

In the same city, long considered a symbol of peace and dialogue the Festival brought together voices and perspectives that rarely meet : science, institutions, culture, and activism. The organizers explained that their goal was to build a space of dialogue, even between people with very different worldviews, trusting that new and valuable reflections could emerge from these encounters to improve the way we live alongside animals.

The program was broad and diverse, with panels on biodiversity and institutions, ethics and coexistence, food culture and sustainability, and coexistence with wildlife. Experts, scholars, activists, politicians, and sanctuary leaders all took part, and there were also international contributions such as one from Marc Bekoff. This mix made the Festival plural and alive.

There was also an artistic and cultural side : the performance and exhibition AnimeLeAli by Francesca De Mai, live illustration by Alessio Alcini, and a vegan food offering with contributions from Romeow Cat Bistrot, Ortoingiro, and Snug – The Comfort Café. These elements made the Festival not only a place for dialogue and reflection but also for creativity. During the Festival there was also a vegan cooking demonstration, and we were served delicious vegan food over the two days.

The presence of officials gave hope that change is possible : Valter Stoppini – Mayor of Assisi, Stefania Proietti – President of the Umbria Region, David Grohmann – Councillor of the Municipality of Perugia, and Veronica Cavallucci – Deputy Mayor of Assisi, who called it a revolution. A Franciscan friar and a priest were also present.

I was very happy about the reception of my talk. Several people came to me afterward, saying they were touched. I was nervous since my talk was about Christian spirituality, and I mentioned the word God many times, and I knew the Festival was secular. But it was well received, and I am very thankful and honored to have participated in this Festival, to have lived this beautiful experience in such a magical place.

Assisi will be even more magical if animals have a place and a presence in the city. I sincerely hope there will be a second Festival of Creatures and that it will continue for years to come.

Thanks to Lars, whose foundation Paw-in-Tau helped make this Festival possible, and to Lorella Muzi of Palindroma, who invited me, I had the chance to live this experience in Assisi.

Playlist with the Festival Videos : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkX2PEFoHb3nDMGGNiCLo9cPYx4xPAgh4&si=f8ZkAmOKnyvx9lH8

The link to my speech at 12:29 and Massimo at 36:15 : https://www.youtube.com/watchv=92vsQW0dO_E&list=PLkX2PEFoHb3nDMGGNiCLo9cPYx4xPAgh4&index=3&t=853s