Assisi, the picturesque hilltop town in Italy, has become the epicenter of spiritual fervor as the long-hidden remains of Saint Francis are finally revealed to the public. Starting February 22, visitors can witness the saint’s bones, sealed in a transparent case, marking a pivotal moment 800 years after his passing.
Famed for forsaking riches to aid the destitute, Saint Francis founded the Franciscan movement in the early 1200s. His death in 1226 led to his burial in the grand Basilica of Saint Francis, where his tomb was lost until 1818 excavations unearthed it. Previous viewings were exceedingly rare; a 24-hour glimpse in 1978 was the last for a handful of experts.
Giulio Cesarino, from the Franciscan Convent, expressed optimism that the display will touch all hearts, believers and non-believers. He pointed to the bones’ fragile state as testament to Francis’s unyielding commitment to serving others over self-preservation.
Open through March 22, the exhibit precedes grand celebrations for the octocentenary of his death, including a national holiday. With 400,000 pilgrims projected—many from Brazil, the US, and Africa—Guardian Marco Moroni highlighted the global draw, surpassing local Italian turnout.
This rare opportunity revives the saint’s teachings on simplicity and charity, resonating deeply in an era of materialism. As devotees flock to Assisi, Saint Francis’s influence proves timeless, inviting reflection on lives of purpose and generosity.