Relics of St. Francis of Assisi Displayed for Public Veneration

Assisi, Italy – For the first time in nearly 800 years, the remains of St. Francis of Assisi are on public display at the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy. The exhibition, which began on February 22, 2026, and will continue until March 22, 2026, marks the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death in 1226.

A Historic Exhibition

The bones of St. Francis, normally resting in a stone sarcophagus, were ceremoniously transferred to the lower church of the Basilica on Saturday, February 21st. Nearly 400,000 people pre-registered to view the relics according to the Franciscan Order. The display allows the public to view the remains through a plexiglass case near the altar.

Pilgrimage and Reverence

Thousands of pilgrims and visitors have already lined up to pay their respects. On the first day, approximately 18,000 visitors came to venerate the remains of the “holy lover of poverty, the man of peace,” as described by those connected to the event. Visitors are permitted to touch the outer glass case containing the remains as reported by DW. A solemn silence prevails within the basilica, with visitors refraining from using smartphones or taking selfies, focusing instead on spiritual reflection.

The Life of St. Francis

Born around 1181, St. Francis of Assisi founded the Franciscan Order after renouncing his wealth to dedicate his life to serving the poor. After his death, his coffin was buried in a hidden location. In 1818, Pope Pius VII authorized the Franciscans to uncover the tomb, leading to the construction of a new crypt in the lower church of the basilica .

Global Interest and Media Coverage

The event has garnered significant international attention, with over 200 journalists from around the world accredited to cover the exhibition as reported by EWTN News. The special edition of the magazine “San Francesco Patrono d’Italia” has seen unprecedented demand, with over 1,000 copies distributed. Photos of the event are available on the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi’s social media channels, having already received over 2 million views. The website www.sanfrancescovive.org provides information and allows visitors to apply for reservations, though organizers caution that the site may experience temporary outages due to high traffic.

A Lasting Message

“St. Francis lives,” says Fr. Giulio Cesareo, director of the Communications Office of the Sacred Convent of Assisi according to Vatican News. The large turnout and reverent atmosphere demonstrate the enduring relevance of the Franciscan message.