An estimated 18,000 pilgrims poured into the hilltop town of Assisi over the weekend as the long-hidden relics of Saint Francis of Assisi were brought out for public veneration — something not seen since the year 1230, when the saint’s body was sealed in the crypt of his basilica.
The month-long exposition, running February 22 to March 22, 2026, marks a historic moment in the 8th centenary of the saint’s death and has drawn faithful from across the world seeking to honor the life and legacy of the Poverello, the “Little Poor Man” of Assisi.
A Historic Opening of the Tomb
The Franciscan community announced earlier this year that, for the anniversary, the major relics would be placed inside the Lower Basilica of the Basilica of St. Francis, giving the faithful one of the rarest opportunities in Church history.
Crowds formed early in the morning, some waiting hours to walk slowly past the saint’s skeletal remains, displayed reverently in a specially prepared reliquary.
The last time such an exposition occurred was 796 years ago, not long after the body was transferred to the newly built basilica.
Atmosphere of Reflection and Joy
Franciscan Fr. Giulio Cesario, spokesperson for the Sacred Convent of Assisi, described the emotion of the day:
“Pilgrims entered in an atmosphere of reflection but also of joy… to venerate the mortal remains of Saint Francis and hear him whisper in their hearts a word of goodness.”
He expressed gratitude to all who collaborated to make the exposition “a true moment of fraternity.”
Cardinal’s Message: Freedom from the ‘Logic of the World’
The opening day was marked by a solemn Mass celebrated by Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, the Pope’s representative for the Papal Basilicas of Assisi.
In his homily, the cardinal highlighted the radical simplicity of St Francis:
- Freedom from possession
- Freedom from domination
- Freedom from self-sufficiency
Francis, he said, showed that true liberation comes not from asserting power but from trusting obedience to God.
“This is not an escape into the past, but a way of facing the challenges of the present.”
Lenten Reflection: Overcoming Temptation
Drawing on the Gospel of Jesus’ temptation in the desert, Cardinal Fernández Artime noted:
- Jesus rejected pride, power, and wealth
- St Francis faced the same temptations
- But Francis chose poverty, littleness, obedience, and worship of God alone
He stressed that triumph over temptation opens the heart to others, recalling how Francis embraced the leper—once the most feared figure in medieval society.
A Call to Personal Conversion
The cardinal urged pilgrims to let the relics provoke genuine spiritual self-examination:
“Where is my desert?
What temptation abides within me?
Where does the Lord ask me to make a leap of faith?”
He emphasized that venerating relics is not about nostalgia but about conversion, renewal, and living the Gospel with Franciscan courage.
Global Pilgrimage to the Heart of the Church
The unprecedented display has turned Assisi into a living sanctuary of prayer, drawing:
- Religious communities
- Youth groups
- Lay pilgrims
- Scholars of Franciscan spirituality
- International visitors, many arriving barefoot or in pilgrimage garb
Hotels and monasteries around Assisi reported being filled to capacity as early as January.
The Legacy of St Francis in 2026
Saint Francis remains one of the most influential figures in Christianity, revered for:
- His radical poverty
- His peacemaking spirit
- His love of creation
- His closeness to the marginalized
- His Christ-centered simplicity
The exposition is expected to deepen the global renewal of Franciscan spirituality leading to the 2030–2031 jubilee celebrations, marking 800 years since many key events of Francis’ life.