CT News
Feb. 23, 2026 : Hundreds of pilgrims lined up before dawn on Sunday to be among the first to pray before the exposed relics of St. Francis in his basilica in Assisi, Italy. The bones of St. Francis are on display, from Feb. 22 to March 22, 2026, for the 800th anniversary of the saint's death.
The saint’s bones will lie in a glass box — fully visible outside the stone tomb in a crypt where they usually rest — as hundreds of thousands of people venerate the holy remains.
This extraordinary exposition marks a rare moment in Church history. Apart from scientific examinations and brief inspections, the relics of Saint Francis have only been displayed once before.
Earlier this year, Pope Leo XIV announced that the faithful who visit Franciscan churches, make pilgrimages, or live out the spirit of Saint Francis through prayer and charity may receive a plenary indulgence this year. Now, as pilgrims travel to Assisi, that call to spiritual renewal is drawing global attention.
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