Italy is publicly exhibiting the bones of Saint Francis of Assisi for the first time as part of the celebration of the 800th anniversary of his death.
For the very first time, the bones of Saint Francis of Assisi are on public display in Italy, coinciding with the 800th anniversary of his death. As one of the world's most significant Christian pilgrimage sites, Assisi attracts thousands of visitors each year, particularly due to the tomb of Saint Francis and its impressive basilica. The decision to exhibit the bones, which were discovered in the early 19th century, responds to significant public interest, and, as of now, approximately 400,000 people have registered to visit the site from around the globe.
This surge in visitors has placed considerable stress on the local infrastructure of Assisi. In response, local authorities have established new parking areas and are prepared to offer transportation services to the influx of pilgrims. Additionally, security measures have been heightened; the saint's bones are housed in a capsule made from bullet-resistant material, while police have deployed extra personnel, surveillance cameras, and trained dogs to ensure the protection of this sacred relic.
Brother Giulio Cesareo, the director of the Saint Francis monastery, stated that this year marks 800 years since Saint Francis's death, an important milestone that contributes to the unprecedented interest in the relics. This event not only commemorates a significant figure in Christianity but also poses logistical challenges and security considerations for the community, reflecting the intersection of faith, tradition, and modernity in contemporary pilgrimage practices.
