The remains of Saint Francis of Assisi have been publicly displayed for the first time in Assisi, attracting an expected influx of up to 400,000 pilgrims.
The remains of Saint Francis of Assisi, a pivotal figure in Christian history, are now on display in Assisi, Italy, drawing significant attention from pilgrims and tourists. The exhibition began on Sunday and features the porous and darkened bones of the saint, who passed away over 800 years ago. These remains, typically housed in a stone sarcophagus, are now presented in a thick glass casket—a move that symbolizes both reverence and visibility for the relics.
This public display is notably significant as it marks the first time that the remains have been made accessible for public viewing. The casket was processed from the crypt of the Basilica of San Francesco by Franciscan monks, underscoring its religious importance. The relics had been placed in the glass casket since a scientific investigation in 1978 that confirmed their authenticity, and now their visibility aims to enhance pilgrimage experiences and spiritual connections for the visitors.
The pilgrimage to Assisi is estimated to draw up to 400,000 attendees, highlighting the cultural and religious resonance of Saint Francis's legacy. This event not only reaffirms the saint's influence in modern spirituality but also aligns with broader trends in heritage tourism, as people seek deeper connections to historical and sacred sites. Expectations for the influx of pilgrims underscore the ongoing respected sentiment attached to religious relics and the communal experiences they foster among today's believers.
