Assisi: In a historic announcement made today on the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Sacro Convento in Assisi revealed that the relics of the beloved saint will be placed on extended public display from 22 February to 22 March 2026, marking the 800th anniversary of his death. Thanks to the approval of Pope Leo XIV, the mortal remains of Saint Francis will be moved from his tomb in the crypt of the Basilica of Saint Francis and placed at the foot of the papal altar in the lower church, allowing pilgrims from around the world to venerate the saint in a rare and intimate setting.
The Sacro Convento described the forthcoming display as “an extraordinary gift, a profound invitation to prayer, and an opportunity to see the Gospel of Christ lived out fully in the life of someone just like us.” The event, themed “Saint Francis Lives,” aims to highlight the enduring relevance of his message of peace, fraternity, service to the poor, joy, and care for creation.
Pilgrims will be able to participate through a mandatory, free online reservation system available in Italian and English on the centennial website, www.sanfrancescovive.org. Visitors can opt for group visits, accompanied by a friar providing a brief spiritual reflection, or individual visits, designed for silent personal prayer. Special care has been taken to accommodate people with mobility or visual impairments, ensuring that the experience is meaningful for all.
At the conclusion of the veneration route, participants will take part in a short liturgical rite and receive a gift from the Franciscan community. Daily, two international Masses will be celebrated in the upper church at 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM, with evening veneration services organized for families, religious communities, and members of the Secular Franciscan Order.
Today’s celebrations began with the presence of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, welcomed by Stefania Proietti, President of the Umbria Region, Father Marco Moroni, Custodian of the Sacro Convento, and the Franciscan friars. The occasion was further marked by the recent approval of a national civil holiday on 4 October, dedicated to Franciscan values.
At 10:00 AM, a solemn Eucharistic concelebration was held in the upper basilica, presided over by Bishop Camillo Cibotti of Isernia-Venafro and Trivento. During the ceremony, the mayor of L’Aquila, Pierluigi Biondi, lit the votive lamp of Italy’s municipalities with oil offered by the Abruzzo Region. Later, from the Loggia of the Sacred Convent, Father Carlos Alberto Trovarelli, Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, delivered a greeting to the faithful, followed by remarks from Prime Minister Meloni, who said: “Today, the Italian people turn their gaze here, to Assisi, as Saint Francis is one of the foundational figures of Italian identity.”
In the afternoon, Archbishop Bruno Forte of Chieti-Vasto presided over pontifical vespers in the Papal Chapel of the lower church, followed by a procession to the upper church and a blessing of Italy. Bishop Domenico Sorrentino, Archbishop of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gualdo Tadino, addressed the ongoing conflicts in the world, emphasizing that peace requires a new culture and consciousness.
“Peace demands that weapons no longer be a business, but something horrifying that must be reduced globally, transforming the economy into one of peace rather than war,” Bishop Sorrentino said. “Peace must be built not only between nations but first in our hearts and daily relationships, starting within our families.” He concluded by inviting all present to become men and women of peace, echoing the enduring spirit of Saint Francis.
This historic month-long exposition promises to draw thousands of pilgrims and faithful to Assisi, offering a rare chance to venerate the saint who transformed the world through humility, compassion, and dedication to the Gospel.