Public Display of St. Francis Bones in Assisi

ASSISI, Italy – For the first time, the bones of St. Francis of Assisi have been publicly displayed, giving his hometown in Umbria a fresh draw for pilgrims.

This event is both exciting and concerning for Assisi Mayor Walter Stoppini, residents, and the Franciscan friars, who are organizing a month-long exhibition of relics to mark the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death.

So far, nearly 400,000 people have registered prayers before the remains, and Stoppini predicts that number might reach 500,000 by the time the bones return to their grave on March 22.

A group of 400 volunteers has been assembled to assist, parading through the cobbled streets to the lower Basilica of St. Francis, where the bones will be displayed in bulletproof glass cases.

The influx of visitors could stretch the city’s limited resources, with its narrow streets lined with souvenir shops. Residents are used to handling large crowds, but typically for shorter events.

“We’re used to these kinds of happenings, though they usually last a day or two,” Stoppini remarked. “I do have some concerns since this will last an entire month, but let’s remain calm.”

Assisi holds a significant place in Christian pilgrimage, with its scenic location and stunning pinkish limestone architecture shining particularly at sunset.

Every year, millions visit to see the tomb of St. Francis and the impressive cathedral adorned with Giotto’s frescoes of his life.

Born into wealth in 1182, St. Francis chose to give it all up to reform the Church, becoming a mendicant monk. He’s celebrated for his messages of peace, love for creation, and care for the less fortunate—principles that resonate with Pope Francis, the first pope to adopt the saint’s name.

While the remains have been preserved by Franciscan friars through the years, this marks their public reveal for the first time.

Officials believe that inviting pilgrims for a month is a way to keep St. Francis’ message alive and offer Christians a chance to pray before his remains. Stoppini said that the month-long exhibition is the most feasible option for residents, especially with expectations of even more pilgrims arriving in 2025.

Alongside St. Francis, a new saint, Carlo Acutis, is drawing younger pilgrims. Canonized last year, he is noted as the first millennial saint in the Catholic Church.

Acutis, who passed from leukemia at 15, is buried in a different cathedral in Assisi, yet his rising popularity, particularly among youth in Latin America, is turning Assisi into a popular spot for young Catholic groups visiting Italy.

“In the square, many are asking, ‘Where’s Carlo? Where’s Carlo?’” noted Brother Marco Moroni from the Convent of St. Francis.

Last year, pilgrim numbers soared by 30%, likely linked to Acutis’ canonization and the jubilee year, with around 33 million visiting Rome, many continuing on to Assisi.

“It’s wonderful that the saints don’t compete against each other,” he said.

Many who come to see St. Francis also visit Carlo Acutis, which is boosting the overall pilgrimage movement, albeit causing some logistical challenges for the town.

This month-long event is a boon for souvenir sellers, as they rely on religious tourists who visit Assisi for its picturesque charm.

“Others will experience what we see daily,” shared Ariana Catarinelli, a shopkeeper on the main street leading to the cathedral. The shop offers various items themed around St. Francis and Carlo Acutis.

“While parking can be a nightmare for residents, it’s beneficial for businesses to have more visitors,” she added.

To manage the crowd, the city is planning new parking lots outside the town center and a shuttle service to transport visitors.

Riccardo Bacconi, a local bank employee, expressed hope that the additional parking would leave a lasting positive impact on the town, making life a bit easier for locals amid the tourist rush.

After a morning jog, Bacconi reflected on how tourism is a crucial part of the town’s economy, suggesting that living here means accepting the influx of visitors.

“I don’t see it negatively. It’s economically significant,” he remarked. “There are definitely more advantages than downsides.”