The relics of St. Francis will be displayed in Assisi

After almost eight centuries, the remains of St. Francis, one of the most important saints of the Catholic Church and patron saint of Italy, will be publicly displayed for the first time in Assisi, Italy.

The town, with a population of around 27,000, is expecting an influx of pilgrims – according to the Franciscans, more than 350,000 people have already registered their interest. The relics will be on display this weekend in the Papal Basilica of St. Francis and will be open to the public until March 22.

The Church says that this exceptional decision is related to the upcoming 800th anniversary of the saint's death and is intended to offer believers an "immediate, sensory experience."

Francis of Assisi, who renounced his possessions and lived in voluntary poverty, died in 1226. His bones have been scientifically examined several times in the past and their authenticity has been repeatedly confirmed, most recently in 2015.

(tasr, pir)