Pope John Paul II's visit to Todi in 1981.

Pope John Paul II’s visit to Todi in November 1981 is well known but it is often forgotten that one reason for his visit was the desire to honour Jacopone.  On that occasion, John Paul II said:

“I cannot forget your fellow citizen, friar Jacopone da Todi, a disciple of the Saint of Assisi, who with the originality of his art translated and interpreted the inner fire of love for God as a personal response to God’s prior love for us.

In the name of the Umbrian saints, remembering Jacopone and so many others of the Franciscan and Christian city of Todi, I begin my pilgrimage today, extending to everyone my cordial greeting with the Apostolic Blessing.”

Pope John Paul II in Todi.