Assisi Unveils Relics of Saint Francis for the First Time, Attracting 400,000 Visitors

The central Italian town of Assisi has opened the relics of Saint Francis of Assisi to the public for the first time in nearly eight centuries, resulting in an extraordinary surge of interest from around the world. The remains, which have long been held in a stone sarcophagus beneath the Papal Basilica of Saint Francis, are now available for public viewing in a special exhibition that will run for one month, concluding on March 22.

According to the Franciscan Order, nearly 400,000 people from a wide array of countries have registered to witness the display of one of the Catholic Church's most venerated figures. The remains are now housed in a secure glass case, placed within the Lower Basilica, after being ceremonially transferred from their former resting place in the crypt. The glass case has been constructed with advanced security measures, including bulletproof glass, to ensure the safety and preservation of the relics during the unprecedented exhibition.

Saint Francis of Assisi, born in 1181 or 1182 and passing in 1226, is considered one of the most renowned saints in Catholic tradition and is recognized as the patron saint of Italy. His life and legacy have inspired countless followers throughout history, and his influence even extended to the late Pope Francis, who adopted his name upon becoming pontiff. Following his death, the remains of Saint Francis were interred at a secret location and only rediscovered and exhumed in 1818 with papal authorization. A new crypt was then constructed within the Lower Basilica to house the sarcophagus.

This special exhibition has been organized to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis's death, offering pilgrims and visitors an opportunity for a direct and tangible connection to the revered saint. The authorities in Assisi have highlighted that this initiative is intended to provide a meaningful experience for the faithful and to mark this significant milestone in Christian history. The annual celebrations dedicated to Saint Francis continue throughout the year in Italy, where October 4th--the presumed date of his passing--has been designated as a national holiday.

Assisi has long held a prominent place as a pilgrimage site, drawing millions of visitors each year to the town and its famous basilica. The basilica itself is renowned for its remarkable frescoes by the celebrated painter Giotto di Bondone, which illustrate the life and works of Saint Francis. The event has further reinforced Assisi's status as a central destination for religious tourism and cultural heritage.

In addition to Saint Francis, Assisi has recently gained attention as the final resting place of Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old Italian who passed away in 2006 and was canonized in the previous year. Acutis, often referred to as the first "Internet Saint," is buried in the nearby pilgrimage church of Santa Maria Maggiore, attracting a new generation of pilgrims to the region.

The exhibition of Saint Francis's relics is expected to significantly boost local tourism and provide a major spiritual event for the Catholic community. Authorities have implemented organizational measures to manage the large influx of visitors and ensure the smooth operation of the exhibition over the coming weeks.