Assisi - Since the morning of February 21, the Papal Basilica of San Francesco has been the scene of a historic, prolonged public display of the mortal remains of St. Francis of Assisi. This event is taking place as part of the eighth centenary of the saint's death (1226-2026).
The initiative was presented in the Sala Cimabue of the Colle del Paradiso Congress Center by the Community of the Brothers of the Sacred Convent. Religious and civil authorities as well as national and international media welcomed the event, which aims to unite believers, pilgrims and institutions in a spirit of universal brotherhood.
A month of prayer and encounters
Since the afternoon, it has been possible to linger in prayer before the saint's bones and rediscover his message of friendship, self-giving and hope. „The inspiration,“ explained the Franciscans, „is the evangelical parable of the seed: What dies in love germinates and bears fruit.“ Fra Giulio Cesareo, head of the Sacred Convent's communications office, emphasized that the exhibition testifies to how the Saint of Assisi is still a gift for everyone today. According to the press release, the gesture was authorized and blessed by Pope Leone XIV, also recalling the encouragement of Pope Francis in December 2023.
Liturgical program until the end of March
In the morning, the remains were removed from the sarcophagus in the crypt. The celebration of the transfer and vespers in the lower church, presided over by Cardinal Ángel Fernandez Artime, was scheduled for 4.00 pm. The following day, February 22, the Eucharistic celebration will take place at 11.00 am.
The exhibition will continue until March 22 and will be accompanied by a calendar of liturgical and cultural events. The closing ceremony on March 22 at 5 p.m. in the Upper Church will be presided over by Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, President of the Italian Bishops' Conference. Around 400,000 pilgrims are expected in Assisi this month. Among those taking part in the press conference were the Custos of the Sacred Convent, Fra Marco Moroni, the Bishop of Assisi, Monsignor Domenico Sorrentino, his successor Monsignor Felice Accrocca and the President of the Umbria Region, Stefania Proietti.
