Remains of St Francis on show for a month

For the first time in nearly eight centuries, the remains of St Francis, known as “Il Poverello”, have been moved from their traditional resting place in the crypt and placed on public display for veneration. The exposition, which began on 22 February, will continue until 22 March.

The saint’s bones are now housed in a glass reliquary at the foot of the papal altar in the Lower Basilica of Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi. Francis’s tomb was rediscovered in 1818. It has since undergone periodic scientific examinations, most recently in 2015, it has never before been the subject of such a prolonged public display.

Organisers from the Sacro Convento, the administrative centre of the Franciscan Order, described the exposition as a “gift to the People of God”. The initiative received formal approval from the Vatican and forms the centrepiece of the Franciscan Jubilee Year proclaimed by the Holy See to commemorate the eighth centenary of the saint’s death.

The response has been immediate and substantial. Officials confirmed ahead of the opening that nearly 400,000 pilgrims had already reserved time slots to view the remains. Assisi’s mayor, Valter Stoppini, said total visitors may well exceed 500,000 before the exposition concludes.

Organisers expect up to 6,000 visitors on weekdays, rising to almost 20,000 at weekends, during the 29-day event. Brother Marco Moroni, custodian of the Sacred Convent, told ANSA that most available slots have already been filled. However, early morning appointments remain open.