Since the conclusion of the first week of the public exposition of the mortal remains of St. Francis, (February 21 to March 1, 2026), it has become clear that the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi has developed into a lively and vibrant meeting place. Around one hundred thousand people crossed the threshold of the lower church of the basilica for a moment of prayer before the saint’s body. Meanwhile, more than thirty-five thousand faithful took part in the Masses celebrated in the upper church—a sign of a profound desire for spirituality and communion.
“It has been a week since we placed the body of St. Francis on view for public veneration, and our hearts are filled with gratitude,” declared Friar Marco MORONI, the Custos of the Custody of the Sacred Convent. “Thousands of pilgrims have passed through the Basilica, their faces serene and sometimes tear-streaked with emotion: the most beautiful proof that this is a spiritual moment, not a spectacle. . The silence and contemplation before the remains confirm the desire for an authentic experience of faith. Many thank us for our welcome and the way we carefully organized this event so that everyone could experience this pilgrimage to the fullest. Let me thank everyone who made this week of grace possible: the volunteers, friars, staff members, law enforcement, the prefecture, the police headquarters, the municipality and the region. Thanks also to those who have made donations, thus providing valuable support for the work needed to organize this event and carry out the charitable works of our community. It is a sign that the charity that comes from encountering Francis continues to bear fruit.”
“Every day, starting at 6:30 a.m., pilgrims gather at the welcome tent in an atmosphere of joyful contemplation,” explained Friar Riccardo GIACON, Econom of the Sacred Convent and Head of Logistics. “Giving special attention to the most vulnerable is one of our priorities. Working in collaboration with the Municipality of Assisi, we are able to provide access for about sixty people with disabilities each day. This concrete act of inclusion is part of our ongoing process in removing architectural barriers. The presence of medical staff along the route ensures prompt and calm assistance when needed.”
The week was further enhanced with moments of academic study. Professor Philippe CHARLIER gave a report on his observations regarding the remains of St. Francis. His findings will be made public in the coming months. Among other notable events, there was the Ecclesial Assembly of the Umbrian Bishops’ Conference, held on February 28 with around four hundred delegates.
Reservations to attend the exposition are still available through the only authorized portal at www.sanfrancescovive.org,; where cancellations continually free up new spaces. Reservations are mandatory and booking is free of charge, even for the upper church and the Masses; any other way of obtaining a QR code could be a scam.
The exposition and the Franciscan Centenary initiatives are also backed by the National Committee for the Celebration of the Eighth Centenary of the Death of St. Francis, chaired by the poet Davide RONDONI.
Friar Giulio CESAREO, Director of the Office of Communications of the Sacred Convent, stated: “This veneration event reaffirms a longing for fraternity and for acceptance. St. Francis calls us to respect others, even as international events seem to contradict that spirit. Standing before the mortal remains of St. Francis, we urge the leaders of the nations to heed the appeals of Pope Leo XIV and embrace the hopes of the people they govern: to renounce violence and choose diplomacy, dialogue, and peace.”
Press Office – Andrea ROSSI
Sacred Convent of St. Francis
