800 Years After His Death, St. Francis' Monumental Global Impact Remains Strong from Assisi to America

In New Book, EWTN Catholic Radio Host Unveils Unknown Travels and Dives Deep into the Life of One of the Most Beloved Saints in History

IRONDALE, Ala., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- "Eight hundred years after St. Francis of Assisi's death, his spirit lives strong across the globe and USA," says Teresa Tomeo, a Catholic talk show host and Italy travel expert. Tomeo, a part-time Italy resident, is an award-winning author of 14 books, including three Italy books. Her latest release, Italy's Shrines and Wonders Volume II: Discovering Sacred Spaces and Fascinating Places in the Life of St. Francis of Assisi, by EWTN Publishing, uncovers the 'real St. Francis' with intimate glimpses into this mystic and miracle worker. Tomeo combines a travel guide with a deep dive into key places in his life and insights into his heart and deep love for Jesus Christ.

Tomeo will be in Assisi on October 4, 2026 for the celebration of St. Francis' feast day and the 800th anniversary of his death. She is available for interviews on a variety of topics, including:

St. Francis' Global Impact:

• Currently there are 650,000 Priests/Religious/Lay Franciscans in 110 countries, 170 Canonized Franciscan saints, three Doctors of the Church, dozens of Cardinals/Bishops, and six Franciscan Popes
• Known as the "Saint of Peace," Francis' hometown of Assisi is called "Città della pace", or "City of Peace"
• As the first recorded stigmatist, St. Francis, bore the physical wounds and sufferings of Christ and inspired millions
• Beloved among people of all faiths for Francis' service to the poor, and respect of God's creation
• 860,000 travelers have already visited Assisi during this Franciscan Jubilee Year

USA Impact:

• Christopher Columbus, Third Order Franciscan, discovered America in 1492
• Currently there are 20 Franciscan Universities/Colleges in the United States
• Franciscan Poor Clare Nun, Mother Angelica, founded the world's largest Catholic media network, EWTN
• Beloved Franciscan, Fr. Mychal Judge, OFM, died tending NYC terrorist attack victims on September 11, 2001
• Blessed Solanus Casey, OFM Cap., humble "doorkeeper" in Detroit, had heroic compassion toward the sick/poor and had the miraculous gift of reading souls
• Franciscan Missionary, St. Junípero Serra, OFM, became the "Apostle of California" personally founding nine of California's 21 missions

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Book Press Kit available HERE

About EWTN
EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 46th year, is the world's largest Catholic media organization. EWTN's 11 global TV channels and numerous regional channels are broadcast in multiple languages 24 hours a day, seven days a week in more than 160 countries and territories. EWTN platforms also include radio services transmitted through SIRIUS/XM, iHeart Radio and more than 600 domestic and international AM and FM radio affiliates; a worldwide shortwave radio service; one of the largest Catholic websites in the U.S.; electronic and print news services, including EWTNNews.com, the National Catholic Register newspaper, as well as EWTN Publishing, its book publishing division.

SOURCE EWTN Global Catholic Network