Historic Exhibition of St. Francis of Assisi's Relics Began on February 22

In Assisi, an unprecedented religious event is underway – the first public exhibition of the relics of St. Francis of Assisi in eight centuries. The event began on February 22, 2026 and will last until March 22, serving as the centerpiece of celebrations for the 800th anniversary of the death of the founder of the Franciscan order. The relics, preserved for centuries in a stone sarcophagus, are on public display for veneration in the Lower Basilica of St. Francis. St. Francis, who lived at the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries, renounced his family wealth to live in poverty and imitate Christ. He died in 1226, and his teachings on peace, love for creation, and simplicity of life have made him one of the most recognizable and influential Catholic saints, as well as an ecumenical symbol. Interest in the event is immense. According to Franciscan sources and local media, over 370,000 pilgrims from around the world have already registered for the exhibition. The basilica's daily capacity has been set at 15,000 people, which, given the event's one-month duration, suggests the total number of visitors could reach or even exceed half a million. The bishop and apostolic administrator of Assisi, monsignor Domenico Sorrentino, emphasized the spiritual dimension of the event in a special video message. He said: „„E' bello poter mostrare le ossa del nostro santo, perché questo è una maniera di incontrarlo. La gente ha bisogno di incontrare santi e ha bisogno di incontrare, attraverso di loro, Gesù”” (It is beautiful that we can show the bones of our saint, because this is a way to meet him. People need to meet saints and need to meet, through them, Jesus) — Domenico Sorrentino.

The event has a broader institutional context. The Legislative Assembly of the Umbria region unanimously adopted a special regional law concerning the eighth centenary celebrations. The region's president, Stefania Proietti, described it not as an act of spending money, but as a „act of identity and vision”. The law is intended to enable coordinated and organic planning of all initiatives related to the anniversary in 2026.

Another important point of the celebrations will be the visit of Pope Leo to Assisi. It is scheduled for August 6, 2026 on the occasion of the major international youth meeting "GO! Franciscan Youth Meeting". Bishop Sorrentino expressed joy at this decision, calling it a „great sign”. This event highlights the lasting inspiration that the figure of the young Francis represents for contemporary generations. St. Francis is also widely venerated outside Italy, and his name was adopted by the previous pope, Francis, which further amplified the global prominence of this medieval saint.