The north star
Does this make the experience more human or less human?
- If technology creates distraction, simplify it.
- If commercialization weakens authenticity, remove it.
- If tourism overwhelms community, limit it.
- If AI replaces human connection, do not use it.
- If something benefits visitors but harms Padula, reconsider it.
- If growth compromises Franciscan life, choose Franciscan life.
The financial philosophy
Revenue serves the mission.
The mission never serves the revenue.
Over time, Il Ritorno should contribute economically toward San Francesco's operations, maintenance, preservation and improvements, the Franciscan mission, cultural preservation, local economic activity and youth opportunity — subject to the final legal and governance structure.
Responsible technology
Built quietly behind the human experience.
Technology may assist
Translation, subtitles, accessibility, archives, story preservation, family histories, search, documentation, education and operations — always with human review.
Technology must never replace
The friar. The Maestro. The conversation. The relationship.
We will never infer
Mental health, religious belief, spiritual condition or emotional vulnerability. There will be no AI friar and no AI spiritual director.
No engagement manipulation
No streaks, points, badges or gamification of prayer and spirituality.
Governance & trust
To be verified / demo contentFranciscan leadership
To be verifiedExisting Italian association
To be verifiedProject leadership
To be verifiedAdvisors
To be verifiedFinancial reports
To be verifiedPolicies
To be verifiedPartners
To be verifiedAnnual reports
To be verifiedContact information
To be verifiedWe do not claim any Church, Vatican, diocesan or Franciscan Order approval, nonprofit status, government partnership, partner organisation or financial figure. Names of friars, historical claims and restoration details will be published only when verified.
Privacy & safety
Privacy by design.
Particularly protected
- — Youth information
- — Guest information
- — Private journals
- — Spiritual reflections
- — Family histories
- — Emergency contacts
- — Photographs and testimonials
Consent required for
- — Photography
- — Video
- — Stories
- — Testimonials
- — Family history
- — Public profiles
- — Youth participation