Hundreds of Thousands to Visit Bones of St. Francis of Assisi as Relics on Display for the 1st Time in 800 Years!

Assisi: Historic Display of St. Francis’ Relics Draws Thousands

For the first time since 1230, the skeletal remains of St. Francis of Assisi are on public display at the Basilica of St. Francis in Italy. Since the opening Sunday, Feb. 22, approximately 400,000 pilgrims have registered to honor the "Poverello" (Little Poor Man) as part of the 8th centenary of his death.

Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, celebrating the occasion, noted that Francis’ life was a rejection of "the logic of the world" in favor of service and poverty. This rare exposition is brief, running only from February 22 to March 22.

800 Years in the Making: St. Francis of Assisi Relics Publicly Exposed

  • The Event: The first public viewing of St. Francis’ mortal remains since his interment in the 13th century.

  • The Turnout: 18,000 visitors arrived on opening day.

  • The Message: Cardinal Artime urged visitors to reject self-sufficiency and power, echoing Francis’ choice of "littleness" over pride.

  • The Window: This historic exposition is open for one month only, ending March 22.


Where/When/Why
DurationFebruary 22 – March 22
LocationBasilica of St. Francis, Assisi
SignificanceFirst time in nearly 800 years
Occasion8th centenary of the Saint's death

A Moment of Fraternity: Pilgrims Gather to Honor the Little Poor Man

An atmosphere of joy and quiet reflection filled Assisi this week as the faithful were granted an unprecedented opportunity to venerate the relics of St. Francis. Father Giulio Cesario described the event as a chance for pilgrims to hear the saint "whisper in their hearts a word of goodness."

During the Solemn Mass, Cardinal Fernández Artime reminded the faithful that St. Francis’ victory over temptation was not for his own sake, but to better embrace "the leper and all his brothers and sisters." This sacred viewing serves as a powerful invitation for modern believers to examine their own "deserts" and embrace a life of trusting obedience.

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