Roberto Benigni stars in St. Francis television event on Rai 1

Francesco Il Cantico brings Roberto Benigni to Rai 1 on Sunday

Roberto Benigni stars in the television event “Francesco – Il Cantico” on Rai 1, airing on Sunday, October 4, 2026, libero.it reported. The special broadcast, produced by Melampo Cinematografica with executive production by Arcobaleno Tre and directed by Stefano Vicario, preempts the usual Sunday evening schedule to focus entirely on the life and legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi. The program marks 800 years since the death of the saint and coincides with the occasion becoming a national holiday. Benigni, who previously appeared in the special “Pietro – Un uomo nel vento,” told viewers, “I will try to tell you about a true Francesco, from an extraordinary life that will amaze you.”

Broadcasting schedule changes for the San Francesco special

To accommodate the evening dedicated to the Patron Saint of Italy, Rai 1 alters its standard prime-time lineup. Benigni’s theatrical and literary exploration of the Cantico delle Creature causes the regular airing of “Affari Tuoi” hosted by Stefano De Martino to be skipped, according to libero.it. Following this, Rai 1 broadcasts “Francesco, il Santo di tutti” at 21:55.

Roberto Benigni explores the medieval saint and Italian poetry

Benigni describes Saint Francis as “the greatest moulder of souls in the history of humanity,” noting that he was a revolutionary figure who chose poverty and peace over violence and greed. During an interview on Rai 1’s “Cinque Minuti” with Bruno Vespa, the Oscar-winning actor remarked that Francis “could have been an excellent leader of the broad field,” adding that the saint was a warrior who became the first pacifist. Benigni noted that Francis loved women during an era when they were viewed with horror, and described him as a “pazzo di Dio” or “God’s madman” who claimed his profession was to “make God laugh.” He further stated that Francis proclaimed the infinite love between God and humans and the equality of nature and people before God.

The performance features an extensive exegesis of the Cantico delle Creature (also known as the Canticle of Brother Sun), composed in 1224 and recognized as the oldest known poetic text in Italian literature. Benigni pointed out the saint’s birth name was actually Giovanni, making him the first person in the world to bear the name Francis. The poem is a praise of God through the wonders of creation, where Francis refers to the sun, moon, stars, wind, water, fire, and earth as “brother” and “sister.” Benigni noted that Francis also composed the music for the text, which was revolutionary for praising the created world at a time when others spoke poorly of nature.

Benigni will detail the man’s life through unexpected anecdotes and curiosities, illustrating the contradictions and evolutions that led him to become a saint. He describes Francis as a figure who feared only becoming inhuman or indifferent to the fate of the marginalized. In his interview with Vespa, Benigni noted that the saint’s preaching reached millions of followers, including animals, plants, birds, dogs, and wolves.

Alternative television programming for October 4

Viewers seeking different entertainment options on Sunday evening have multiple counter-programming choices across Italian networks. Rai 2 airs The Rookie starting at 21:50, while Rai 3 broadcasts Presa diretta at 20:30.

Frequently Asked Questions about the television event

What time does Francesco Il Cantico air on Rai 1?

The special airs on Sunday, October 4, 2026, immediately following the TG1 evening news, occupying the time slot normally assigned to Stefano De Martino’s game show.

Who directs and produces the Roberto Benigni special?

The television event is a production by Melampo Cinematografica with executive production handled by Arcobaleno Tre. Stefano Vicario serves as the director, and Lucio Presta is the general organizer.

What is the significance of the Cantico delle Creature discussed in the program?

Composed by Saint Francis in 1224, the Cantico delle Creature is the oldest surviving poetic text written in the Italian vernacular rather than Latin, praising the Creator through natural elements like the sun, wind, and water.