Benigni tells the story of Saint Francis live on Rai 1.

Tonight, October 4, 2026, Rai 1 will broadcast a special live event evening dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi. The programming features two segments: at 8:35 PM, "Francesco - Il Cantico," where Roberto Benigni recounts the figure of the Saint through curiosities and anecdotes, and at 9:55 PM, "Francesco, il Santo di tutti," hosted by Giorgia Cardinaletti from the Auditorium of San Francesco al Prato in Perugia.

The evening, which includes connections with the Upper Basilica of Assisi, celebrates the Patron Saint of Italy on the occasion of the new national holiday. The event is produced in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Tourism, ENIT, and the Umbria Region, and will feature guests from the worlds of entertainment, culture, and science.

Saint Francis of Assisi, who died in 1226, is one of the most venerated religious figures in the world and the patron saint of Italy. October 4th traditionally marks his feast day, but in 2026 this date takes on special significance as it coincides with the eight-hundredth anniversary of his death and the establishment of a new national holiday.

Francis's message, based on poverty, peace, and harmony with nature, remains relevant after 800 years. Precisely for this anniversary, numerous cultural and celebratory initiatives have been organized throughout Italy. The choice to entrust Roberto Benigni, a beloved actor and director, with the task of recounting the Saint's life on television represents an attempt to bring his figure closer to a contemporary audience through the language of quality entertainment.