ROME.- For the first time ever, the oldest surviving manuscript of Saint Francis of Assisi's Canticle of the Creatures will be on display in the Italian capital, marking 800 years since its creation. This extraordinary document, considered one of the earliest examples of Italian vernacular poetry, will be exhibited at the Museo di Roma in Palazzo Braschi as part of the showcase titled Laudato Sie: Nature and Science. The Cultural Legacy of Brother Francis. Alongside the manuscript are 93 rare works from the ancient collection of the Municipal Library of Assisi, housed in the Sacred Convent.

Opening to the public on October 2, 2024, and running until January 6, 2025, the exhibition is a deep dive into the intertwining of Saint Francis’s spiritual message with the scientific endeavors of the Franciscan order. It is organized by the St. Francis Day Foundation in collaboration with the Sacred Convent of Assisi and the Italian Academy Foundation, with sponsorship from the Municipality of Assisi. The exhibit provides a rare opportunity to explore the union of medieval spirituality and science, a fusion that remains relevant in today’s world as a source of inspiration for Pope Francis’s Laudato si’ encyclical.

The Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, expressed his enthusiasm for the exhibition: “We are delighted to host Laudato Sie: Nature and Science at the Museo di Roma. Its themes resonate strongly with the upcoming Jubilee in 2025 and the powerful message Pope Francis has delivered to the world, urging us to take care of the Earth and its fruits. Even after centuries, in a drastically changed cultural landscape, the teachings of Saint Francis and his followers remain incredibly relevant, particularly in an era when environmental and sustainability issues have once again taken center stage in the public debate."

From Medieval Insight to Modern Science

The exhibition offers a comprehensive view of Franciscan culture and scientific achievements, thanks to the rare manuscripts and early printed works that will be on display. Visitors will journey from the medieval period, a time when Francis of Assisi’s spiritual vision was taking shape, to the early modern age, when scientific thought began to flourish under the stewardship of Franciscan scholars. The collection on display, divided into nine sections, delves into topics as varied as philosophy, theology, astronomy, mathematics, optics, and alchemy, revealing the breadth of the Order’s intellectual engagement.

One of the most striking metaphors in the exhibition is the image of a tree, which can be seen in the third room. This metaphor is expressed in works like Isidore of Seville’s Etymologiarum opus (Venice, 1483), where the deep roots symbolize the teachings of Saint Francis, the trunk represents the body of Franciscan thought, and the branches and leaves reflect the flourishing of knowledge. The roots are deeply embedded in the words of the Canticle of the Creatures, rising through centuries of theological and scientific reflection.

Father Marco Moroni, Custodian of the Sacred Convent of Assisi, emphasized the profound significance of Saint Francis's Canticle: "The Canticle of the Creatures is a precious distillation of faith, beauty, respect, and contemplation. Modern culture often places humanity at odds with God, creation, and even other human beings, but Francis teaches us that greatness lies in being an essential and irreplaceable part of this grand orchestra, what Pope Francis has called our 'common home.' Celebrating 800 years of the Canticle of the Creatures offers us the chance to reflect on cultural, scientific, and technological developments that not only respect the integrity of Creation and human life but promote them wisely and effectively."

Multimedia Immersion in Nature and the Cosmos

The exhibition also embraces modern technology, with two immersive multimedia rooms. The first, Laudato Sie: Grateful Awe Before Creation, is dedicated to the Canticle of the Creatures, and gives visitors a chance to experience the world as Saint Francis saw it, filled with wonder and deep spirituality. The second immersive room, Cum tucte le tue creature, focuses on the relationship between humans, plants, and animals, highlighting the integral connection between all living beings.

A key section of the exhibition, Inspiration of the Origins: The Bible, Theology, and Philosophy, explores how the Franciscans delved into ancient philosophy and the Bible, developing a holistic understanding of the world and humanity’s place within it. Visitors will see how Franciscan scholars contributed to philosophical debates and scientific discovery throughout the medieval period.

The section on Franciscan Encyclopedic Knowledge presents a particularly fascinating view of the Order’s attempt to catalog the world’s knowledge. This is exemplified by works like Vincenzo Coronelli’s Biblioteca Universale sacro-profana (Venice, 1701), which, though incomplete, stands as the first major encyclopedia in the Italian language.

Spotlight on Astronomy, Medicine, and Alchemy

From astronomy and mathematics to medicine and alchemy, the exhibition narrows its focus as it progresses through the centuries. Manuscripts like the Tractatus de Sphaera by English Franciscan John Peckham are featured prominently, displaying the Franciscans’ unique ability to blend ancient Greek, Arabic, and Latin scientific theories with their theological insights.

The seventh section, The Elements, Minerals, Metals, and Their Transformation: Alchemy, delves into the world of alchemy, a discipline once shrouded in mystery but later recognized as a precursor to modern chemistry. Despite ecclesiastical prohibitions, many prominent Franciscan scholars were drawn to alchemy, leaving behind a rich legacy of manuscripts and early scientific explorations.

The exhibition concludes with The Body’s Fabric: Medicine, Anatomy, and Surgery, where the Franciscans' contributions to medicine are brought to light. Here, visitors will see how the Order integrated hands-on experience with theoretical study to advance the understanding of the human body and its ailments.

Assisi and Beyond: A Traveling Exhibition

After its initial run in Rome, Laudato Sie: Nature and Science will travel back to Assisi, where it will be displayed in the Sacred Convent’s halls from April 7 to October 12, 2025. This marks a fitting conclusion to the exhibition, as Assisi is not only the home of Saint Francis but also the spiritual heart of his teachings and legacy.

Stefania Proietti, Mayor of Assisi, highlighted the cultural significance of the exhibition: "This initiative, which the Municipality of Assisi has supported from its inception, seeks to make the rich heritage of the Franciscan Order accessible to a broad audience. Among the manuscripts on display, the most significant is Codex 338, containing the oldest collection of Saint Francis's writings. These ancient, invaluable pages preserve the oldest version of the Canticle of the Creatures, written in the Umbrian dialect, whose 800th anniversary will be celebrated in 2025."

With its blend of spiritual reflection and scientific inquiry, Laudato Sie: Nature and Science offers a compelling glimpse into the world of the Franciscans and their lasting contributions to both faith and reason.