Overview

• Lawmakers propose making 4 October a national holiday starting in 2026 to honor Saint Francis of Assisi on the 800th anniversary of his death.
• The Chamber of Deputies postponed the planned debate and vote to early next week.
• The initiative, led by Maurizio Lupi of Noi Moderati, is backed by all parties in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s governing coalition.
• Lupi describes the move as an appeal to peace, social cohesion, respect for nature, and spiritual values.
• Supporters face questions about added public costs, with coverage noting Italy’s 12 public holidays and France’s recent retreat from a plan to cut two holidays.