Foggia – An opportunity for discussion on the themes of public ethics, sustainability, and the relationship between institutions and communities, starting from the enduring relevance of the Franciscan message. This is the guiding thread of the meeting “What If Francis Returned?”, scheduled for Wednesday 16 April, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Palazzo Dogana, seat of the Province of Foggia.

The initiative is inspired from a simple yet timely question: What would Saint Francis say today in the face of the challenges of our time? From environmental protection to social cohesion, and up to shared responsibility in caring for the local area, the discussion aims to offer concrete and accessible points for reflection. The meeting will open with institutional greetings from the President of the Province, Giuseppe Nobiletti, who will introduce the proceedings.

The central part of the event will be entrusted to Father Enzo Fortunato, author of the book “What If Francis Returned?”, who will lead a reflection on the values of sobriety, humanity, and responsibility, reinterpreted in light of the contemporary context and the transformations currently affecting society.

This will be followed by an address by Monsignor Giorgio Ferretti, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Foggia-Bovino, who will offer an ecclesial interpretation of the Franciscan message, understood as a call to fraternity, social peace, and closeness to the most vulnerable, as well as to the ethical stewardship of the local area.

The meeting will also include an open dialogue session, “Faith, Culture and Institutions in Dialogue”, which will bring together different experiences and perspectives on the themes of public ethics, the role of younger generations, and the development prospects of local communities. At the centre of the discussion will be the relationship between institutions, the ecclesial world, and civil society.

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