Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims expected: Relics of a saint who died 800 years ago exhibited
In the papal Basilica of Saint Francis in the Italian city of Assisi, the mortal remains of Saint Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan order, have been publicly exhibited for the first time since yesterday, as part of the commemoration of the 800th anniversary of his death, Italian media reported today.
TL;DR
- The mortal remains of Saint Francis of Assisi are publicly exhibited for the first time in the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi.
- This event commemorates the 800th anniversary of his death on October 3, 1226.
- The remains will be on display until March 22, with a series of liturgical and cultural events planned.
- An estimated 400,000 pilgrims are expected to visit Assisi this month.
- The gesture was approved by Pope Leo XIV, and the late Pope Francis supported the initiative.
- Saint Francis's tomb was discovered in 1818, though his body was moved to the basilica built in his honor in 1230.