A Pilgrimage to the Past: Relics of St. Francis of Assisi Draw Massive Crowds
Assisi, Italy – A surge of pilgrims is descending upon the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi, drawn by a rare and historic opportunity: the public display of the remains of St. Francis of Assisi. Marking the 800th anniversary of his death this year, the Franciscan order has, for the first time, made the saint’s remains accessible to the public for a four-week period. The exhibition, known as the “Ostensione,” has already captivated tens of thousands, offering a deeply personal connection to one of the Catholic Church’s most beloved figures. St. Francis, born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone around 1181 or 1182, founded the Franciscan Order and remains a potent symbol of faith, peace and reverence for the natural world.
As of March 8, 2026, halfway through the exhibition, the Basilica has welcomed an astounding 160,085 visitors who have viewed the saint’s remains. The sheer scale of the pilgrimage is remarkable, with 16,983 people attending the Basilica on Saturday alone, and an additional 4,912 participating in services in the Upper Church. Access to the Upper Church requires pre-registration due to its limited capacity of 600, reflecting the overwhelming demand to participate in this historic event. In the first week, 76,262 visitors secured reservations through the free booking system, a number surpassed by 83,822 in the second week, demonstrating a growing momentum. This event underscores the enduring appeal of St. Francis, a figure who continues to resonate with people across cultures and denominations.
International Devotion and a Surge in Religious Tourism
Although Italy accounts for the vast majority – approximately 80 percent – of the pilgrims visiting Assisi, the devotion to St. Francis extends far beyond national borders. According to Basilica communications director, Brother Giulio Cesareo, over 5,000 visitors have traveled from Croatia, with significant numbers likewise arriving from Spain, Great Britain, and the United States. Interest is also strong from German-speaking countries, with nearly 2,000 registered visitors. Remarkably, the pilgrimage is truly global, with groups originating from Indonesia, India, Kenya, Brazil, Japan, Singapore, and Ethiopia, highlighting the universal appeal of St. Francis’s message. The influx of international visitors is providing a significant boost to the local economy and showcasing Assisi as a major destination for religious tourism.
The Franciscan order has expressed immense satisfaction with the enthusiastic response and the atmosphere of joy and gratitude that pervades the Basilica. Kustos Marco Moroni emphasized the positive spirit surrounding the exhibition. Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, the order recently released the official hymn for the relics exhibition, “Auf diesem Hügel” (“On This Hill”), which is available on YouTube featuring four mixed choirs, organ, and string orchestra. (Note: Replace “YOUR_YOUTUBE_VIDEO_ID” with the actual YouTube video ID when available.)
Controversy and Commerce: Navigating the Complexities of Relic Veneration
Despite the overwhelmingly positive response, the exhibition has not been without its critics. Some have voiced concerns on social media, questioning the appropriateness of displaying the 800-year-old remains of the saint. However, Brother Thomas Freidel, a pilgrim chaplain for German-speaking visitors, reports that most who have stood before the remarkably modest skeleton of St. Francis have been deeply moved, comforted, and inspired. He notes a stark contrast between external perceptions and the lived experience of encountering the saint’s remains. This sentiment reflects a long tradition of relic veneration within the Catholic Church, where physical remains are seen as tangible links to the divine and the saints.
The renewed interest in relics has unfortunately also spurred a troubling trend: the online sale of purported fragments of St. Francis’s garments, bones, or objects believed to have been in contact with the saint, often accompanied by photos of wax seals and dubious certificates of authenticity. The Franciscans have unequivocally condemned this practice, stating that relics are not for sale and that trading in alleged relics is reprehensible, citing Canon 1380 of the Code of Canon Law. The Code of Canon Law outlines the regulations surrounding sacred objects and relics within the Catholic Church. Despite these warnings, fraudulent sellers and naive buyers continue to engage in the illicit trade. For example, an online seller in Franconia, Germany, is currently offering a “Relic 1st Class of St. Francis of Assisi” for €680, claiming that “a bone relic of the Saint is very, very rare to find!” and even offering to cover shipping costs.
The Franciscans are particularly concerned about the naiveté of customers, emphasizing that detailed photographs of the saint’s remains have been available since 1978, allowing for accurate comparisons. Brother Giulio Cesareo asserts, “There is no doubt. The shrine has been sealed since 1978,” making the authenticity of these online offerings highly suspect. Pilgrims wishing to view the authentic remains can do so in person, though most time slots are fully booked. However, occasional openings become available due to cancellations, and Brother Freidel encourages spontaneous visitors to check the Basilica’s website for availability.
A Renewed Spiritual Experience and a Call for Reflection
The exhibition is proceeding smoothly, supported by approximately 300 volunteers and discreet security personnel. Brother Freidel reports a significant increase in confessions, with priests noting meaningful conversations with individuals who have been disconnected from the Church for years. He shares that many visitors are moved to tears while viewing the saint’s remains, but ultimately leave the Basilica with a sense of joy and peace, describing it as “a miracle.” This observation highlights the profound spiritual impact the exhibition is having on those who make the pilgrimage to Assisi.
St. Francis of Assisi, a pivotal figure in Catholic history, was born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in Assisi, Italy, around 1181 or 1182. According to Britannica, he founded the Franciscan Order, known for its commitment to poverty and service, and is revered as the patron saint of animals, ecology, and peace. His life and teachings continue to inspire millions worldwide, and the current exhibition provides a unique opportunity to connect with his legacy in a tangible and deeply personal way.
Key Takeaways
- The exhibition of St. Francis of Assisi’s relics has drawn over 160,000 visitors in the first half of its four-week run.
- Pilgrims are arriving from across the globe, with a significant representation from Italy, Croatia, Spain, the United States, and beyond.
- The Franciscan order is actively combating the fraudulent sale of purported relics online, emphasizing that relics are not for commercial trade.
- The exhibition is fostering a renewed spiritual experience for many visitors, with reports of increased confession attendance and profound emotional responses.
The “Ostensione” is scheduled to conclude on March 22, 2026. Visitors interested in attending are encouraged to monitor the Basilica of San Francesco’s website for potential openings due to cancellations. The event offers a powerful reminder of St. Francis’s enduring legacy and a moment for reflection on faith, peace, and the importance of living a life of service. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.