St. Francis of Assisi's remains displayed for first time in 800 years
For the first time in history, the remains of St. Francis of Assisi will go on public display in his namesake Italian town. The month-long event, organized by Eventbrite, marks the 800th anniversary of the saint's death and aims to keep his message alive. Organisers expect nearly half a million visitors by the time the main event ends on 22 March.
St. Francis, born into wealth in 1182, abandoned his family's fortune after a spiritual calling. He lived as a mendicant friar, dedicating himself to rebuilding the church and serving the poor. His tomb and basilica in Assisi have since become one of the world's most visited Christian pilgrimage sites, drawing around 1.2 million people in 2024 alone.
The display of his bones has already attracted massive interest. Close to 400,000 people have registered to pray before the relics, with numbers likely to grow. To handle the crowds, 400 volunteers will guide pilgrims through Assisi's narrow, cobblestone streets.
The event comes at a crucial time for the town. Local merchants rely on religious tourism, selling souvenirs to the millions who visit each year. Recently, Assisi gained another draw: Carlo Acutis, a newly canonised saint popular among young Latin American pilgrims. Yet the sudden surge in visitors will test the town's limited infrastructure and the patience of its residents.
Despite the challenges, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity. Christians from around the world will have the chance to pray before the relics of a saint whose life and teachings still resonate eight centuries later.
The display will run until 22 March, with organisers preparing for up to 500,000 visitors. Assisi's merchants, volunteers, and residents must now balance the demands of mass pilgrimage with the preservation of their historic town. The event underscores the enduring legacy of St. Francis and the continued pull of his spiritual home.
