Saint Francis and the Holy Sepulchre
According to tradition, Saint Francis of Assisi visited the Holy Sepulchre, since he has deeply desired to experience the same emotions as Christ. Saint Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan Order, established the Custody of the Holy Land in 1217. This Custody was designated to care for the holy places in the Holy Land, including the Holy Sepulchre. In 1342, Pope Clement VI gave the Custody the responsibility of protecting the Holy Sepulchre. Since then, the Franciscans have been the guardians of this important religious site.
Franciscans have been the guardians of the Holy Sepulchre for eight centuries, sharing responsibility with the Greek Orthodox Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church. In particular, the Order of Friars Minor, represent the Catholic Church at this sacred site.
The Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre. This important Christian pilgrimage site houses Calvary, the site of Jesus' crucifixion and death, and the Temple of the Resurrection, where, according to tradition, Jesus was resurrected.
The Holy Sepulchre as the Center of Faith. The Holy Sepulchre is considered the center of the Christian faith, not only as the site of the crucifixion and resurrection, but also as a place where faith is continually renewed, according to the Custody of the Holy Land.
The presence of Franciscans in the Holy Land, including the Holy Sepulchre, has been an important factor in maintaining the Christian presence in the region. In addition to protecting the Holy Sepulchre, the Franciscans also manage other religious sites, such as the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
Role of the Franciscans in Jerusalem. The Franciscans, in addition to their religious work, also manage social and educational institutions in Jerusalem, such as schools serving Muslim and Christian students. They also manage apartments, pilgrim shelters, and charitable programs for the Christian community in the city.
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