The announcement marks an historic event: the first extended public display of the mortal remains of Saint Francis for an entire month – 22 February to 22 March 2026. On the occasion of the 800th anniversary of his death, pilgrims from all over the world will be able to gather before the body of the Saint Francis of Assisi, visible to all. “An extraordinary gift, a profound invitation to prayer, and an opportunity to see the Gospel of Christ lived out fully in the life of someone just like us,” reads a statement from the Sacro Convento. Today, October 4th, the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan Order and patron saint of Italy, the announcement was made public: "This exposition, rooted in the Gospel theme of the seed that dies to bear fruit in love and fraternity, invites us to reflect on the life of the Saint, which continues to bear fruit 800 years later and still inspires humanity along the path of peace, fraternity, service to the poor, joy, and care for creation."

A journey open to all

The 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis will be a time of remembrance and renewal, a celebration of a life that "blossoms from the gift and offering of oneself," a seed "sown in the earth that continues to bear fruits of peace, faith, and love." The event’s motto is “Saint Francis Lives.” In this spirit, the statement notes, “with the approval granted by the Holy Father Leo XIV through the Vatican Secretariat of State, the public exposition of his mortal remains” will take place in the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi. 

The body will be moved from its tomb in the crypt and placed at the foot of the papal altar in the lower church of the basilica. Due to the expected large influx of faithful and to ensure that everyone has a meaningful and reverent experience, a mandatory and free online reservation system has been set up on the centennial website (www.sanfrancescovive.org) in both Italian and English. The veneration of the saint’s body will follow an accessible route for all, designed to foster both personal and communal encounter. Pilgrims can choose between two options when booking: group visits, accompanied by a friar who will offer a brief reflection to help grasp the spiritual significance of the experience; individual visits, allowing for silent, personal prayer. 

At the end of the veneration path, there will be a short liturgical rite, and each participant will receive a gift from the Franciscan community. Special care will be taken for people with mobility or visual impairments, with appropriate routes available. From Monday to Saturday, two international Masses will be celebrated in the upper church of the Basilica of Saint Francis (at 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM). There will also be evening veneration services organized for families, religious men and women, and members of the Secular Franciscan Order.

Italian Prime Minister Meloni celebrates Saint Francis

This morning, the official celebrations of 4 October began with the presence of Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, welcomed by Stefania Proietti, President of the Umbria Region, Father Marco Moroni, Custodian of the Sacro Convento, and the Franciscan friars. This year’s celebration is particularly significant, coinciding with the recent approval by the Italian Parliament of a bill establishing 4 October as a national civil holiday, dedicated to Franciscan values of peace, fraternity, and care for creation. 

At 10:00 AM in the upper basilica, a solemn Eucharistic concelebration was held, presided over by Bishop Camillo Cibotti of Isernia-Venafro and Trivento. During the celebration, the mayor of L’Aquila, Pierluigi Biondi, lit the votive lamp of Italy’s municipalities with oil offered by the Abruzzo Region. At 11:30 AM, from the Loggia of the Sacred Convent, Father Carlos Alberto Trovarelli, Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, delivered a greeting. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also spoke, saying: “today, the Italian people turn their gaze here, to Assisi, as Saint Francis is one of the foundational figures of Italian identity.”

Bishop Sorrentino on what peace requires

In the afternoon, in the Papal Chapel of the lower church, Archbishop Bruno Forte of Chieti-Vasto will preside over the pontifical vespers, followed by a procession to the upper church and a blessing of Italy. Thanking the bishops and pilgrims from Abruzzo, Domenico Sorrentino, Bishop-Archbishop of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gualdo Tadino, recalled the many wars still ravaging the world. “Peace requires a new culture and a new consciousness. It demands that weapons no longer be a business, but something horrifying that must increasingly be reduced in the global economy, turning the latter into an economy of peace rather than of war,” wrote Bishop Sorrentino. “Peace must also be built not only between nations, but first in our hearts and in our everyday relationships, starting with the family.” He concluded by inviting everyone to become men and women of peace.