05 June 2026
by Alessandra Bartolomei Romagnoli The body of Francis has been a theme widely explored by historians, but to a large extent attention has been focused on the controversy of the stigmata, and this is understandable, given the exceptional nature of the miracle. However, the reconstructions relating to the last days of the life of the most blessed father and those immediately following his death were more incomplete and uncertain. And this is the topic of Felice Accrocca’s latest book, The disputed body. The last days of Francis of Assisi (Santa Maria degli Angeli-Assisi, Edizioni Porziuncola, 2025, 82 pages, 9 euros), in which the scholar explores the field of forces aroused by the news of Francis’ imminent death, and illustrates the tensions and conflicts triggered by this event. …
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