Saint Francis of Assisi relics displayed publicly in Italy for first time

Sunday 22 February 2026 - 12:30

By: Sahili Aya

Saint Francis of Assisi relics displayed publicly in Italy for first time

For the first time in history, the relics of Saint Francis of Assisi have been publicly displayed in Assisi, Italy, marking the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death. Housed in a transparent plexiglass case, the relics can be seen at the lower church of the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi from February 22 to March 22, allowing pilgrims and visitors to pay their respects.

The saint, founder of the Franciscan order, renounced worldly wealth and dedicated his life to the poor. His body was transferred to the basilica in 1230, but it was only rediscovered in 1818 after careful excavations. Since 1978, the relics have been preserved in a secure case, rarely exposed to the public.

Giulio Cesareo, director of communications for the Franciscan convent, described the exhibition as an opportunity for both believers and non-believers to witness the saint’s devotion and sacrifice. “The condition of the bones shows how fully he gave himself,” Cesareo said. A bulletproof, tamper-proof glass case will encase the plexiglass, providing both visibility and protection, while 24-hour surveillance ensures security.

The exhibition is expected to attract up to 400,000 visitors from around the world, with peaks of 19,000 attendees on weekends. Despite the extended display, conservation measures, including nitrogen-filled cases and controlled lighting, will ensure the relics remain intact.

The occasion also coincides with the declaration of October 4 as a public holiday in Italy, honoring Saint Francis and the late Pope Francis, who passed away in April 2025 and chose the saint’s name as his own.