Hundreds of thousands of worshippers are expected to visit the Basilica of St Francis of Assisi in Italy over the next month to mark the 800th anniversary of the saint's death. To celebrate the historic occasion, the Umbrian city is allowing pilgrims to pray at a display of the saint's mortal remains. According to reports, nearly 400,000 people have registered to see the bone fragments, which are contained in a slim, bulletproof Plexiglas case in the lower Basilica of St.
Francis. Father Giulio Cesareo, director of the Sacro Convento Communication Office, told Vatican News that the exhibition aims to revive St Francis' message of peace and fraternity. He noted that St Francis' example inspired Pope Francis to take his name, making him the first pope to do so.
the exhibition aims to revive St Francis' message of peace and fraternity
The veneration of the relics of the "poor man of Assisi" is meant to celebrate a life that incarnated the Gospel in a concrete way. Church leaders say at a time marked by deep social crises, the figure of Francis is an icon of hope. The centenary celebrations will continue with various initiatives, including a visit by Pope Leo XIV to Assisi on August 6 for the international "GO!
St Francis' example inspired Pope Francis to take his name, making him the first pope to do so