Remains of Saint Francis of Assisi to be Exhibited, Highlighting Message of Selflessness

Assisi, Italy – From February 22nd to March 22nd, 2026, the remains of Saint Francis of Assisi will be available for public veneration within the crypt of the Basilica of Saint Francis. Authorities anticipate approximately 370,000 pilgrims will visit during the five-week period, averaging between 15,000 and 18,000 visitors daily.

A Social and Spiritual Phenomenon

Julius Caesareo, director of the Communications Office of the Sacred Convent of Assisi, emphasized the event’s significance extends beyond religious devotion, representing a broader social and spiritual movement. He noted that Saint Francis’s teachings offer a counter-narrative to contemporary societal values. “Our society always tells us: ‘Think about yourself, don’t give in, don’t worry about others.’ Instead, Francisco says just the opposite, and his bones attest to it. They are the bones of a person who was spent, who was consumed,” Caesareo stated in an interview with Vatican media. Vatican News

Beyond Relics: A Radical Way of Life

Caesareo explained that venerating the relics is not merely an act of remembering the past, but a connection to a transformative way of life. Drawing a parallel to the Gospel, he likened Saint Francis to a grain of wheat that falls to the ground and dies, ultimately bearing fruit. “Francis is truly this seed that, like Jesus, is given in everyday life. And those who give are consumed; little can be done. But it bears fruit!” he said.

Individual Action and Collective Impact

Addressing the challenges of modern society, Caesareo highlighted the importance of individual action in overcoming feelings of helplessness. “We always hear a voice in the background: ‘You can’t do anything, you are alone, you are useless.’ Francisco testifies that it is a lie. We cannot solve all the problems, but if each of us takes a step, that step leaves a mark,” he asserted. He believes people recognize an authenticity in Francis that embodies the Gospel message.

A Timeless Icon of Faith

For eight centuries, Saint Francis has been recognized as the ‘alter Christus’ (another Christ), not as an imitation, but as a living embodiment of the Christian message through his dedication to the poor and the pursuit of peace. The Basilica of Saint Francis, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, serves as the mother church of the Roman Catholic Order of Friars Minor Conventual. The Basilica itself is comprised of the Lower Church, the Upper Church, and the Crypt, which houses the tomb of Saint Francis. San Francesco Assisi Guide

Supporting Resources

Information about the event, including pastoral and cultural initiatives, is available on the dedicated portal sanfrancescovive.org. Those unable to travel to Assisi can follow the event remotely through this online platform.