Franciscan Vision Global Summit 2025

The Franciscan Vision Global Summit (FVGS) has continued its inspiring mission in 2025, marking the third consecutive year of a truly global digital pilgrimage. 

After celebrating the centenary of Francis’ Rule of 1223 & Christmas at Greccio in 2023, and the centenary of the gift of the Sacred Stigmata in 2024, the FVGS has now completed the Jubilee Year of the 8th Centenary of the Canticle of the Creatures. This journey has brought the Franciscan Family and the wider world closer to rediscovering Francis of Assisi’s creation-spirituality in the light of today’s ecological and human challenges.

This year’s FVGS, organized by TAU: A Franciscan International Journal (OFM–India), deepened the exploration of the Canticle’s enduring message: that every creature is a brother or sister, woven into a sacred web of interdependence. Blessings from Br Carlos Alberto Trovarelli, OFMConv, Minister General, along with a warm welcome from Sr Fatima Rodrigues, FMCK, Superior General, and moderation by Br. Xavier Durairaj, OFM, Minister Provincial, inaugurated FVGS 2025 on 25 January. The sessions are coordinated by Br Arokiam John, OFM, Professor at the Pontifical Antonianum University (Rome) and Editor of TAU.

The year’s journey unfolded through a rich sequence of monthly thematic sessions that drew participants deeper into the spiritual, theological, ecological, and cultural resonance of the Canticle. This opening conference, led by Br Mauro Botti, OFM, Guardian of San Damiano, returned participants to the birthplace of the Canticle and set the tone for a year of reflection. It was followed by a foundational study of the text and structure of the Canticle with Br Cesare Vaiani, OFM, and an exploration by Br Joseph Dolphy Pais, OFM Cap, of Francis’ sermons to the birds and what they mean for ecological harmony today.

As the months unfolded, FVGS convened major Franciscan scholars to shed light on different dimensions of creation-spirituality. Br Giuseppe Buffon, OFM, contemplated the “Choir of Creatures”, while Br Martin Carbajo Núñez, OFM, connected the Canticle with Laudato Si’, highlighting the harmony of “the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor.” The Franciscan response to climate change was addressed by Sr Francisco Nirmala Gnanapragasam, FMM, offering valuable insight for those engaged in scientific field and in movements and initiatives that address climate change through a Franciscan lens.

The second half of the year also introduced themes that connected the Canticle to lived Franciscan experience: Br Gilberto Cavazos-González, OFM, reflected on the Laudato si’: A Spirituality of Creation in Kinship. Br Noel Muscat, OFM, explored on the Canticle’s influence on Clare of Assisi and early Franciscan women; and Br Arokiam John, OFM, presented on the Canticle as a source of Franciscan-Marian hope. 

In October, indigenous ecological perspectives came to the fore with Br Santosh Ekka, OFM, who presented a study on the Oraon tribe’s creation-spirituality. Dr Michael Hahn drew on Bonaventure and Angela of Foligno to deepen the understanding of creation as a fraternity and sorority called to deification. This year ended with an international panel presentation of Franciscans from every continent (except Antarctica), who shared testimonies of how the Canticle inspires hope and integral ecology across diverse cultures today. This concluding panel featured reflections from Br Eunan McMullan, OFM (Europe); Br Agostino Mounir, OFM (Middle East); Br Kilian Ngitir, OFM Cap (Africa); Br Michael Perry, OFM (Americas); Br Aloysius Gonzaga Goa Wonga, OFM and Br Alexandro F. Rangga, OFM (Asia); and Br Joseph McKay, OFM (Oceania). Their shared theme— “New Perspectives on the Canticle of the Creatures: Testimonies of Hope that Promote Franciscan Creation-Spirituality and Integral Ecology Today”—offered a rich tapestry of lived experience, cultural insight, and renewed commitment to caring for our common home

Building on this global collaboration and shared vision, the Franciscan Vision Global Summit has grown into a worldwide platform where friars, sisters, secular Franciscans, scholars, and lay collaborators meet in a shared spirit of fraternity. Free of charge and open to all, FVGS bridges continents through multilingual sessions (English, Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Hindi and Tamil)—a true reflection of the universality of the Franciscan message. Its coordination team, spanning Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania, underlines the global Franciscan commitment to collaboration and communion.

Having journeyed through three major centenaries, the FVGS now looks ahead with renewed enthusiasm. In 2026, it will embark on its next great undertaking: a full year of monthly online sessions dedicated to the 8th Centenary of the Easter of St. Francis of Assisi, marking 800 years since the passing of the Poverello into eternal life.