Historic Event in Assisi: Relics of St. Francis to be Displayed for Public Viewing

The town of Assisi is preparing for one of the most important religious events of recent centuries. From February 22 to March 22, 2026, pilgrims will have a unique opportunity to pray before the mortal remains of St. Francis. The decision to display the relics was made in connection with the 800th anniversary of the saint's death, giving the initiative a unique global character. A special ostension will take place in the Lower Church of the Basilica of Saint Francis, where the body of the founder of the Order of Friars Minor rests. The Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built directly over the saint's tomb in the 13th century and has for centuries been one of the most important pilgrimage points in Europe.Logistical expectations are enormous, and interest exceeds the hosts' boldest forecasts. Father Giulio Cesareo, Director of the Communications Office of the Sacro Convento, reported that the daily number of faithful could be around 15 thousand people. Italian media, including the daily newspaper "Il Messaggero," report that the pool of free reservation tickets is being exhausted at lightning speed. The event has not only a historical but above all a spiritual dimension, serving as an impulse for the renewal of faith and community. Pilgrims will travel to Umbria from the farthest corners of the globe, posing a huge challenge for the local infrastructure. „The Jubilee of the 800th anniversary of the death of the saint, the Poor Man of Assisi, is an opportunity to strengthen faith, which is not some pre-existing opinion, but a relationship with the Lord and the community.” — Fr. Giulio Cesareo The management of the Sacro Convento emphasizes that although the relics are usually hidden in a stone sarcophagus, this exceptional one-month interlude is intended to bring the figure of Saint Francis closer to contemporary people. Experts point out that such a long and open exhibition of the remains has not taken place for nearly eight centuries. Church authorities remind that, despite the enormous interest, the highest standards of security and the solemnity of the place of worship will be maintained. Preparations include coordinating tourist traffic and securing the crypt itself. 15 thousand — faithful per day will visit the basilica in AssisiKey Event Dates: February 22, 2026 — Start of the public ostension of the relics; March 22, 2026 — End of the display of the remains; October 3, 2026 — Main celebrations of the 800th anniversary of St. Francis's death