Newsroom, February 14, 2026, Gaudium Press – Pilgrims worldwide will venerate St Francis of Assisi’s body on display for the first time, marking the 800th anniversary and a special Franciscan Jubilee Year.
Assisi – Italy (13/02/2026 13:29, Gaudium Press) — Between February 22 and March 22, the Lower Basilica of St Francis, located in Assisi, will receive thousands of pilgrims from various parts of the world who will go to the Italian city to venerate the Saint’s mortal remains, which will be publicly displayed for the first time. So far, more than 350,000 people have registered to participate in this historic moment.
Relics will remain on display for a month
This will be the first time that the Saint’s body will be transferred from its resting place in an underground chapel and placed in front of the papal altar in the Lower Basilica, where it will remain for a month for pilgrims to venerate. The event is part of the celebrations for the 800th anniversary of the Saint’s death. Pope Leo XIV has even proclaimed a Franciscan Jubilee Year that will extend until January 10, 2027.
The Apostolic Penitentiary of the Vatican explained that during the special jubilee year dedicated to St Francis, devout faithful will be able to obtain indulgence under the usual conditions. To do this, they will simply need to visit a Franciscan church or any place of worship anywhere in the world dedicated to St Francis or linked to him for any reason, as well as receive the sacraments of reconciliation and Holy Communion and pray for the intentions of the Pope.
Tomb of Saint Francis of Assisi has only been opened twice
In the year 1226, when Saint Francis of Assisi died, his body was buried beneath the main altar of the Lower Basilica. The location was strategically planned with the intent of preventing any attempt to steal his mortal remains. It remained hidden there until December 1818. An official examination confirmed that those mortal remains belonged to the Saint, founder of the Franciscan Order.
The tomb was opened twice in the 20th and 21st centuries: first in 1978 and second in 2015. Before the public display of Saint Francis’ body to the faithful devotees, on Saturday, February 21, at 4:00 p.m. (local time), vespers reserved exclusively for Franciscan Friars will be celebrated. The mortal remains will then be transferred in procession from the chapel where they are housed to the Lower Basilica. (EPC)
Compiled by Adele Wong.
Related Images:
