Chiesa dei Santi Francesco e Caterina Patroni d'Italia

The church is the seat of the parish of the same name, established on June 27, 1942 by decree of the Cardinal Vicar Francesco Marchetti Selvaggiani In and region: it was established to commemorate the declaration of Pius XII (1939) who had proclaimed the saints Francis of Assisi and Catherine of Siena patrons of Italy.
The architectural design of the church was by Tullio Rossi and has undergone the necessary changes over the years. The presbytery has undergone significant changes following the liturgical reform of the Second Vatican Council. There are 2 side chapels dedicated respectively to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to the Virgin Mary Savior. At the beginning of the year 2000, the icons representing Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine of Siena and the icons depicting the Archangels Michael and Gabriel placed near the Tabernacle were placed on the sides of the central altar.
Among the main events that the church has experienced, it is worth mentioning the visit of Pope John Paul II on November 26, 1989.
The façade, in white marble, is preceded by a portico: at the top, above a stylised rose window, the inion in Latin: S. Francisco Ass. et S. Catharinae Sen. Italiae Patronis. Under the portico there are three portals: the largest, in the centre, is surmounted by the coat of arms of Pius XII, under which appears the inion with the year of consecration: A.D. MCMXLII.
Inside, the church has three naves separated by marble pillars; in the simple apse you can see the large central wooden crucifix and two lateral icons that reproduce two angels in the act of prostrating themselves, while on the sides of the apse arch there are two icons depicting Saint Francis of Assisi (on the left) and Saint Catherine of Siena (on the right). Under the crucifix, behind the white marble high altar, is the gilded bronze tabernacle. Finally, on the sides of the apse, are two simple choirs.