CRAVE Italy S8 Ep. 10 | 800 Years of Saint Francis: Assisi Comes to San Francisco

800 years. Two cities. One extraordinary connection.

In this special episode of CRAVE Italy, journalist and host Samantha Ferro brings together an extraordinary conversation commemorating the 800th anniversary of the passing of Saint Francis of Assisi and celebrating the unique connection between Assisi and San Francisco—the city that carries his name.

Beginning October 14, 2026, San Francisco will welcome an extraordinary six-week exhibition honoring this historic anniversary. Sacred relics and treasures of Saint Francis and Saint Clare—never before brought outside Assisi—will journey to San Francisco, creating a remarkable encounter between two cities connected across centuries.

Joining Samantha are Massimo Carnelos, Consul General of Italy in San Francisco; Angela Alioto, International Director of the Knights of Saint Francis; and Iacopo Gori of Corriere della Sera. Together, they explore the story behind this exceptional celebration, the enduring relationship between Italy and San Francisco, and the legacy of Saint Francis eight centuries after his passing. The episode was developed around these voices and this connection between Saint Francis, Italy, and San Francisco.

The celebration will also welcome an official delegation from Assisi, including the Mayor of Assisi and Franciscan representatives, alongside the Consul General of Italy, the Mayor of San Francisco, and religious, civic, and community leaders.

At the heart of the conversation is a question that reaches far beyond an anniversary: Why does Saint Francis still matter today?

His message of peace, compassion, care for those in need, respect for creation, and dialogue among people continues to resonate across cultures, generations, and borders. These are also among the central themes explored in this special CRAVE Italy conversation.

This is more than an anniversary. It is a legacy traveling across eight centuries—and across the world.

From Assisi to San Francisco, CRAVE Italy takes you inside this extraordinary moment.

Watch. Listen. Share the story.

Host & Journalist

Samantha Ferro