Pilgrims Gather in Assisi to Venerate Relics of St Francis
Historic display of the saint’s remains marks 800 years since his death and draws hundreds of thousands
Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims are expected to travel to Assisi over the coming weeks to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of Francis of Assisi, one of Christianity’s most beloved saints.
For the first time, faithful visitors are being allowed to pray before fragments of the saint’s remains, displayed in a slim, bulletproof Plexiglas case inside the lower church of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Nearly 400,000 people have already registered to see the relics during the special exhibition period.
Church officials say the display is not only a commemoration of history but also a call to rediscover Francis’ enduring message of peace, fraternity and simplicity. Father Giulio Cesareo, director of communications at the Sacro Convento, described the exhibition as a way to revive the saint’s example of charity and humility — values that continue to resonate beyond religious communities.
Born in 1182 as the son of a wealthy merchant, Francis famously renounced his riches to embrace a life of poverty and devotion. Toward the end of his life, he was said to have received the stigmata — the wounds of Christ — making him the first documented saint associated with this phenomenon.
After his death, however, his body became the subject of secrecy and legend. Fearing theft during medieval struggles over relics, one of his followers reportedly concealed his remains. They were effectively lost for centuries before eventually being rediscovered. This turbulent history is detailed in a parallel exhibition at the Franciscan convent adjacent to the basilica.
Church leaders say the anniversary comes at a time of profound global challenges, making Francis’ life a powerful symbol of hope. His example, they argue, demonstrates how individual acts of humility and compassion can generate lasting impact.
The celebrations will extend beyond the current exhibition. Among the most anticipated events is the visit of Pope Leo XIV to Assisi on 6 August for the international “GO! Franciscan Youth Meeting,” a gathering expected to draw young Catholics from around the world.
For many pilgrims, the opportunity to stand before the physical remains of the “poor man of Assisi” is a deeply personal moment — a connection across eight centuries to a life that reshaped Christian spirituality and continues to inspire millions.