According to reports, the relics of Saint Francis of Assisi are being displayed to the public for the first time since his death in 1226. The event is taking place at the St. Francis Basilica in Assisi, Italy, where hundreds of visitors reportedly gathered on Sunday, February 22, 2026, to view the 800-year-old bones of the revered saint.
The relics are displayed in a nitrogen-filled plexiglass box, allowing public viewing for the first time in nearly eight centuries. Saint Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan Order, is considered one of the most important saints in the Catholic faith, known for renouncing his wealth to live in voluntary poverty and dedicating his life to caring for the sick and poor.
Although the relics have been housed in the basilica since the years following his death, they were only rediscovered after excavations in the 19th century. According to the report, nearly 400,000 people have already booked appointments to view the relics, which will reportedly remain on display until March 22.