St. Francis’ Remains Set to Be Exhibited to the Public for the First Time

The relics of St. Francis of Assisi will be accessible to the public for the first time since his passing in 1226. From February 22 to March 22, 2026, guests can honor the Catholic patron saint of animals and the environment during the eighth centenary of his death.

The saint’s relics are featured in an exhibit named *San Francesco Lives*, and they will be relocated from their regular position in a sealed reliquary beneath the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi to a prominent location in front of the Papal altar in the Basilica’s lower church. Although the Basilica is a favored site for pilgrims visiting Assisi, St. Francis’s remains have never been made available for public viewing, making this a remarkable event.

A statement issued by the Sacro Convento, the friary that St. Francis assisted in founding during his life, notes, “This exhibition, grounded in the Gospel theme of the seed that dies to yield fruit in love and fraternity, encourages us to contemplate the life of the Saint, which continues to produce fruit 800 years later and still motivates humanity on the journey of peace, fraternity, service to the poor, joy, and stewardship of creation.”

The recent endorsement of this exhibit by Pope Leo XIV emphasizes the significance of the Saint’s contribution to the Catholic Church. Moreover, St. Francis’ regard for all living beings has led Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to describe him as “one of the foundational figures of Italian identity.”

Born around 1181 or 1182 into an affluent family, St. Francis renounced his privileged lifestyle to deepen his faith and assist others. His views on caring for and safeguarding all living entities in the natural world stood in contrast to the conventional Catholic doctrines of his time. With the teachings of other saints like St. Anthony of Padua, St. Brigit, and St. Brendan, perspectives on the stewardship of nature and animals began to evolve within the Catholic Church.

St. Francis of Assisi’s renowned compassion for all beings has endured long after his death and remains one of his most distinguished characteristics for Catholics and non-Catholics globally. The recently deceased Pope Francis chose his papal name in honor of him, and rightly so. *San Francesco Lives* will be free for the public, and it is anticipated to attract a significant audience during the short time that the saint’s remains will be showcased.

St. Francis of Assisi’s relics will be exhibited for a limited period in the Basilica of Assisi to commemorate the 800th anniversary of his death.

Born around 1181 or 1182, Saint Francis is widely celebrated for his kindness and compassion towards all living beings, particularly animals and nature.

St. Francis’s relics have never been publicly displayed before, marking this a unique and significant event.

The exhibition is named *San Francesco Lives*, and the remains will be presented from February 22 to March 22, 2026, in Assisi, Italy.