Assisi, 22 September 2018
The fourth edition of the Cortile di Francesco took place in Assisi: the initiative, organized by the Sacred Convent of Assisi, the Pontifical Council for Culture, the Umbrian Episcopal Conference, and the Oicos Riflessioni Association, in collaboration with the Umbria Region, saw over 7,000 people take part.
The theme for 2018 was "Differences" and was developed through 32 meetings and 40 speakers with conferences and workshops hosted by personalities from civil society, culture, politics, art, and journalism.
Among the guests, CEO of Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane, Gianfranco Battisti, who took part in the "Environment, development and mobility" session which was held on Friday 21st September at Palazzo Bernabei.
"The Franciscan spirit, respect for people, their work, and corporate social responsibility, must be the beacon on which to build a path that is not just for the company but for the whole community." The CEO responded to journalists who asked how much the Franciscan spirit could influence the challenges that a manager of a large Group has to face every day.
"For us the traveller is first and foremost a person whose needs are our top priority. This is why we are thinking of innovations on board our regional trains: two new figures for caring and safety and a new pricing system, with softer pricing bands." Battisti continued, concluding: "Our primary objectives are the sustainability and development of rail transport. We want to make a difference here.
We have invested a lot: 600 new commuter trains are planned; the first ones will be ready in 2019."
In the shadow of the Sacred Convent of Assisi, two days of meetings under the sign of unison in diversity.
The event was an opportunity to revive the Manifesto of Assisi, signed in 2017: an appeal to break down the walls of ignorance, to implement those good practices that allow you to write and, above all, to communicate properly and respectfully.