Saint Francis’ Skeleton on Display for 800th Anniversary

For the first time in history, the skeleton of Saint Francis of Assisi will be publicly displayed starting this Sunday, commemorating the 800th anniversary of his death and attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors.

The remains are encased in a nitrogen-filled plexiglass container engraved with the Latin phrase "Corpus Sancti Francisci" (The Body of St Francis) and are being exhibited at the Basilica of St Francis of Assisi, located in the Italian hill town of Assisi.

Saint Francis, who passed away on October 3, 1226, founded the Franciscan Order after renouncing his wealth and dedicating his life to serving the poor.

Giulio Cesareo, director of communications for the Franciscan convent in Assisi, said the exhibition aims to provide "a meaningful experience" for both believers and non-believers. Cesareo noted that the "damaged" and "consumed" state of the bones reflects how Saint Francis "gave himself completely" to his mission.

The remains will be on display until March 22. They were moved to the basilica built in his honor in 1230, but his tomb was only rediscovered in 1818 following secretive excavations.

Since then, apart from scientific inspections, the bones have only been publicly shown once before—in 1978—for one day to a very limited audience. The transparent case, which has remained in storage since then, was removed from its metal coffer in the crypt on Saturday to begin the anniversary display.