St. Francis of Assisi Relics: First Public Display Draws Pilgrims to Italy
- Francis of Assisi are on public display, drawing pilgrims to the Umbrian hilltop town as it commemorates the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death.
- The bones of the medieval friar, who inspired Pope Francis and generations of Christians, are housed in a bulletproof glass box in the lower Basilica of St.
- The decision to display the remains is intended to revitalize the saint’s message of peace, fraternity, and simplicity, according to officials.
ASSISI, Italy — For the first time, the remains of St. Francis of Assisi are on public display, drawing pilgrims to the Umbrian hilltop town as it commemorates the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death. The month-long exhibition, which began , is expected to attract as many as half a million visitors, presenting both an opportunity and a logistical challenge for the city.
The bones of the medieval friar, who inspired Pope Francis and generations of Christians, are housed in a bulletproof glass box in the lower Basilica of St. Francis. While the relics have been periodically inspected by Franciscan friars for conservation purposes, this marks the first time they have been made accessible for public veneration.
The decision to display the remains is intended to revitalize the saint’s message of peace, fraternity, and simplicity, according to officials. “This is a means to keep his message alive and give Christians a chance to pray before them,” a statement from the Sacred Convent of Assisi indicated.
A City Bracing for Influx
Assisi Mayor Valter Stoppini acknowledges the strain the influx of pilgrims will place on the city’s infrastructure. Nearly 400,000 people had already registered to view the relics as of , and authorities anticipate that number could reach 500,000 before the exhibition concludes on .
To manage the crowds, a team of 400 volunteers has been mobilized to guide visitors through the city’s narrow, cobblestone streets. The city has also created new parking lots outside the center and implemented a shuttle service to transport pilgrims into town. “We’re used to this kind of event, but that lasts for one, two or three days,” Stoppini said. “This is something prolonged, for a month, so I’m a bit worried, but calm.”
Assisi is already a major Christian pilgrimage destination, attracting millions of visitors annually to the Basilica of St. Francis, adorned with frescoes by Giotto depicting the saint’s life. St. Francis, born into wealth in 1182, famously renounced his privileged background to live as a mendicant friar, dedicating himself to rebuilding and reforming the Church.
A Legacy of Peace and Simplicity
St. Francis is renowned for his advocacy for peace, his reverence for creation, and his concern for the poor – principles that deeply resonate with Pope Francis, who chose his papal name in homage to the saint. The current pontiff’s emphasis on social justice and environmental stewardship echoes the core tenets of St. Francis’s teachings.
A Rising Star Alongside a Founding Saint
The increased attention on Assisi is not solely due to the exhibition of St. Francis’s remains. The recent canonization of Carlo Acutis, the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint, is also drawing a new wave of pilgrims, particularly young people from Latin America. Acutis, who died of leukemia at age 15, is buried in a separate basilica in Assisi.
“When we go out onto the piazza, we find many people who ask us ‘Where’s Carlo? Where’s Carlo?’” said Brother Marco Moroni, the custodian of the convent of St. Francis, highlighting the growing popularity of the young saint. The city experienced a 30% increase in pilgrim numbers last year, attributed to both Acutis’s canonization and the observance of the Holy Year in Rome.
Moroni noted the harmonious coexistence of devotion to both saints. “The beautiful thing is that saints don’t go to war against one another, thanks be to God,” he said. “Many who come to the basilica go to see Carlo, and many who go to Carlo Acutis come to the basilica, creating an osmosis and a growing movement that does though create some problems for the city.”
Economic Impact and Local Perspectives
The influx of pilgrims is a boon for Assisi’s economy, particularly for businesses catering to religious tourism. Arianna Catarinelli, a shopkeeper selling souvenirs along the main route to the basilica, expressed optimism about the month-long exhibition. “Other people will see what we see every day,” she said, referring to the spiritual atmosphere of the town. Her shop offers a range of items, from Assisi-branded clothing to mugs and rosaries featuring images of both St. Francis and Carlo Acutis.
Local resident Riccardo Bacconi, a bank employee, acknowledged the economic importance of tourism to Assisi. “I don’t judge it negatively, economically it’s important,” he said. “There are more advantages than disadvantages.” He expressed hope that the new parking lots created for the exhibition would provide a lasting benefit to residents.
The display of St. Francis’s relics represents a significant moment for the Catholic Church and the city of Assisi, offering a tangible connection to a figure whose message continues to inspire millions worldwide. While the logistical challenges are considerable, local officials and residents appear prepared to embrace the opportunity to share the legacy of St. Francis with a global audience.