For the first time since the Middle Ages, the mortal remains of Saint Francis of Assisi are accessible to the masses, captivating thousands in Italy’s sacred Basilica of Saint Francis. The public exhibition launched on February 22, offering a tangible link to the 13th-century figure who transformed from wealthy heir to champion of the impoverished.
After relinquishing his inheritance, Francis established the Franciscan Order, dedicating his life to poverty and piety until his death on October 3, 1226. His relics, moved to the basilica in 1230, were rediscovered amid clandestine digs in 1818 and shown only once more in 1978 for limited scientific scrutiny.
Protected in a plexiglass vault filled with nitrogen and labeled ‘Corpus Sancti Francisci,’ the bones bear visible signs of wear, which Convent Director Giulio Cesarino interprets as evidence of the saint’s exhaustive service. He anticipates the sight will inspire awe across faiths and philosophies.
The display continues until March 22, building excitement for October 4’s public holiday commemorating 800 years since his demise. Franciscan Guardian Marco Moroni revealed surging interest, with around 400,000 expected visitors predominantly from international hotspots like Brazil, North America, and Africa.
This momentous occasion reaffirms Saint Francis’s role as Italy’s guardian saint and a universal symbol of selflessness. In Assisi’s hallowed halls, his legacy endures, prompting visitors to ponder the power of renunciation and devotion in shaping history.