St. Francis of Assisi: Remains Displayed After 800 Years

The remains of St. Francis of Assisi are on public display for the first time. This is a very special moment because it has been 800 years since St. Francis of Assisi died.

Display at the Basilica in Assisi

On a Saturday morning, church officials carefully removed the skeleton of St. Francis of Assisi from its sarcophagus in the basement of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. The basilica is located in the town of Assisi in central Italy. The bones were placed on a table and later moved to another part of the basilica. On the same day, about 300 Franciscan friars gathered to pray together.

St. Francis of Assisi: A Beloved Saint of Italy

St. Francis of Assisi was a kind and humble man who lived many centuries ago. He is the patron saint of Italy and the founder of the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor. People lovingly called him Il Poverello, which means “the Needy Little Man.” He is one of the most loved figures in the history of the Roman Catholic Church and is respected by other Christian churches as well.

St. Francis of Assisi: A Life of Poverty, Peace, and Charity

Many people admired St. Francis of Assisi because he believed in living simply, helping the needy, and promoting peace. In 1979, the Pope named St. Francis of Assisi the patron saint of ecology because of his deep love for nature and animals. He is also known as the patron saint of animals.

Inspiration for Pope Francis

Pope Francis chose his name after St. Francis of Assisi because of the saint’s care for the needy, his commitment to peace, and his respect for the environment. The Pope even used a poem by St. Francis of Assisi as the title of an important document about protecting the Earth. St. Francis was also known as a peacemaker, including when he met the Sultan of Egypt during the Crusades.

Hidden Remains and Rediscovery

When St. Francis of Assisi died in 1226, people feared his body might be stolen. To protect it, his remains were placed in an iron cage and buried beneath the basilica. The location remained a secret until excavations in 1818. Although the remains were briefly shown in 1978, only a few people were allowed to see them.

Public Viewing Until March 22

Now, the remains of St. Francis of Assisi are open for everyone to see until March 22. Guided tours are available for visitors. Church officials say this display helps people learn more about St. Francis of Assisi and his message of peace, love, and brotherhood.

Early Life and Transformation

St. Francis of Assisi was born in Assisi in 1181 or 1182. His father was a wealthy cloth merchant, and Francis lived an easy life when he was young. At the age of 20, he went to war, was captured, and spent nearly a year in prison. After his release, a serious illness changed the direction of his life.

Choosing a Simple Life

After returning to Assisi, St. Francis of Assisi decided to give up wealth and live simply. In a famous moment, he removed his fine clothes in public and chose a life of poverty and service to others.

A Message for Everyone Today

Brother Giulio Cesareo said that St. Francis of Assisi is still important today. He explained that even for people who are not religious, St. Francis shows that life does not have to be about competition. Instead, it can be about cooperation, kindness, and caring for one another.