For the first time in history, the mortal remains of St. Francis of Assisi have been placed on extended public display, drawing an extraordinary response from the faithful around the world.
According to LifeSiteNews, approximately 370,000 pilgrims are expected to travel to Assisi to venerate the saint’s remains, which have been made available for public viewing from February 22 through March 22. The exposition is part of commemorations marking the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death in 1226.
The sacred bones have been placed in a glass reliquary inside the lower church of the basilica dedicated to St. Francis. According to EWTN News, hundreds of pilgrims lined up on the first day to pray before the relics. To manage the large crowds, organizers are permitting about 750 people to enter every 30 minutes.
The Franciscan friars who organized the event stated that a public veneration of the saint’s remains “has never occurred in history,” according to LifeSiteNews. Advance registration numbers highlight the global devotion to the beloved founder of the Franciscans. As of February 2021, some 370,000 people had reserved time slots, with roughly 80 percent coming from within Italy. Nevertheless, visitors are expected from countries on every continent, including more than 5,000 pilgrims from the United States.
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At a press conference, Bishop Felice Accrocca reflected on the humble appearance of the saint. He noted that St. Francis was barely five feet two inches tall and “wore dirty clothes and his face was not beautiful, yet God gave great power to his words.” He added, “Francis continues to speak. I hope that this month will help us to reflect on this,” according to LifeSiteNews.
Born in 1181 into a wealthy family, St. Francis of Assisi renounced material comfort after a profound conversion and embraced a life of radical poverty and service to the poor. He founded the Order of Friars Minor and received the stigmata two years before his death in 1226. His witness to humility and joyful trust in Christ has made him one of the most revered saints in the history of the Church.
Looking ahead, Pope Leo XIV has declared 2026 a “Special Year of St. Francis” to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death. According to LifeSiteNews, through January 10, 2027, the faithful may obtain a plenary indulgence by making a pilgrimage to any Franciscan conventual church or place of worship named after or connected to St. Francis, under the usual conditions of sacramental confession, reception of Holy Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Pope.
As pilgrims continue to arrive in Assisi, the historic exposition offers more than a rare glimpse of sacred relics. It serves as a powerful reminder that the simple friar who once walked the hills of Umbria still calls the faithful to conversion, poverty of spirit, and deeper union with Christ.
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