Tribute to Pope Francis: Giotto's St. Francis Cycle (Volume 1)

The creators of this exquisite book have lovingly compiled it to celebrate the convergence of the life of St. Francis of Assisi and the groundbreaking frescoes of the 13th-century artist Giotto di Bandone, as seen by millions in the nave of the Upper Church of the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi, Italy. Three specific goals guided us in this endeavor: to illustrate the extraordinary life of St. Francis, to showcase the art of Giotto that brings the stories of St. Francis to life, and to create a modest handbook to enhance the viewing experience for visitors to the Basilica of San Francesco.

As we immersed ourselves in the frescoes and sought inspiration from G. K. Chesterton’s classic “St. Francis of Assisi” to breathe life into the saint’s story, we pondered why, in a society filled with self-proclaimed and acknowledged role models, saints are rarely considered in that light. Saint Francis, however, whose life is a testament to simplicity and service to the marginalized, undoubtedly serves as a source of inspiration for individuals like Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Even before becoming Pope Francis, Cardinal Bergoglio exemplified a life of humility and dedication to the less fortunate, challenging societal norms and embracing the core principles of Christianity as embodied by Jesus Christ.

Within the tribute to St. Francis of Assisi and the example he sets as a role model, Cardinal Bergoglio – now Pope Francis – holds particular significance. Through choosing the name “Francis” upon his papacy, he sends a powerful message of compassion, understanding, and harmony with nature. In dedicating this book to Pope Francis, we entrust him with our aspirations for a better world, one marked by empathy, kindness, and a deep connection with the world around us.

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