Italy: Remains of St. Francis displayed in Assisi
Deutsche Welle
February 23, 2026
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The remains of Saint Francis of Assisi, Italy’s patron saint, were displayed publicly for the first time in nearly 800 years, drawing over 400,000 pre-registered visitors to the hilltop town of Assisi. This historic event marked the start of a month-long exhibition of St. Francis’ bones, which are housed in a glass case near the altar of the Basilica of St. Francis. Pilgrims and tourists queued patiently to view the sacred remains, permitted to touch the outer casing of the display as part of the celebration.
St. Francis, born around 1181, is renowned for founding the Franciscan Order after renouncing his wealth to aid the poor. After his death in 1226, his body was buried in a hidden tomb, which was later discovered in 1818 by Pope Pius VII. The remains have since been enshrined in a stone sarcophagus within a crypt beneath the basilica. This display, celebrating the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ death, is only the second public showing of his bones; the last occurred for a limited audience in 1978.
The exhibition has sparked global interest, with visitors traveling from across the world to see this religious treasure. The Basilica of St. Francis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has become a focal point of celebration, with October 4 now reinstated as a public holiday in Italy to honor the saint’s feast day. Beyond the display, the event underscores the enduring cultural and spiritual significance of St. Francis, whose life of simplicity and devotion continues to inspire
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/23/2026