Half a million pilgrims are expected to travel to Assisi over the coming weeks as the hilltop Umbrian town begins a month-long exposition of the mortal remains of St Francis of Assisi. The event marks 800 years since his death in 1226.
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.
400,000 already booked spots to see remains of St Francis
Basilica of St Francis of Assisi
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.
To manage the unprecedented flow of visitors through Assisi’s narrow medieval streets, organisers have introduced a detailed logistics plan.
Advance booking is mandatory through the official San Francesco Vive website.
Pilgrims may choose between a “Guided Path”, led by a friar, or a “Silent Path” intended for individual prayer. Around 400 volunteers will assist with crowd management and navigation.
The influx has delivered a significant economic boost to the local area. Hotels and guesthouses report near-total occupancy, while restaurants and shops have seen a sharp rise in demand. For many visitors, however, the journey is one of faith, not tourism.
Centenary year theme: St Francis lives on
The theme of the centenary year, “Saint Francis Lives On”, draws on the biblical image of the seed that dies in order to bear fruit. Organisers say the message reflects the enduring relevance of Francis’s emphasis on poverty, peace and care for creation at a time of global conflict and environmental crisis.
As Italy’s patron saint, Francis continues to hold a unique place in the country’s civic and spiritual identity. His legacy extends well beyond the Catholic Church. His teachings resonate with believers and non-believers alike as a symbol of humility and universal fraternity.
At the end of the exposition, the remains will return to the crypt in a private ceremony. Commemorations will continue throughout the Jubilee Year, culminating on 4 October, the feast of Saint Francis. At the end of last year, the date was reinstated as a national holiday in Italy in his honour.
Article series on the life and times of the saint
Italy News Online is running a series of monthly articles examining the life and times of Saint Francis of Assisi. We explore the historical context of his ministry and the continuing influence of his message eight centuries after his death.
Read: St Francis at 800
Assisi before Francis: The political and social life of an Umbrian town
