Saint Francis of Assisi’s skeleton displayed publicly in Italy for first time

In Brief

The skeleton of Saint Francis of Assisi is on public display in Italy for a month.

Key Facts

• Saint Francis of Assisi’s skeleton is on full public display from Sunday in Assisi, Italy
• The remains are housed in a nitrogen-filled plexiglass case inscribed with 'Corpus Sancti Francisci'
• The display is located inside the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in the Italian hillside town
• This is the first full public display of the skeleton; previously it was shown only once in 1978 for one day
• Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to attend the month-long exhibition

What Happened

The skeleton of Saint Francis of Assisi has been placed on full public display starting Sunday inside the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, Italy. The remains are preserved in a nitrogen-filled plexiglass case bearing the Latin inscription 'Corpus Sancti Francisci.' This marks the first time the skeleton has been fully exhibited, following a single public showing in 1978.

Why It Matters

Saint Francis of Assisi is a significant religious figure and patron saint of Italy, making the display an important event for both religious followers and cultural tourism. The exhibition is expected to attract large numbers of visitors, highlighting the ongoing interest in historical religious relics and their role in cultural heritage.