Saint Francis of Assisi’s skeleton goes on public display for first time
Why it matters: This unprecedented public display offers a rare opportunity for spiritual connection and reflection, allowing people worldwide to engage with the physical remains of a revered figure who dedicated his life to poverty and service.
- Saint Francis's remains are expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors, with reservations already near 400,000 from around the globe.
- The Franciscan convent hopes the display will be a meaningful experience, emphasizing that the bones' "damaged" state reflects St. Francis's complete devotion to his work.
- Experts assure that the sealed display case will preserve the remains, maintaining the same conditions as within the tomb, despite the extended viewing period and increased visitor traffic.
For the first time, the complete skeleton of Saint Francis of Assisi is on public display in Italy, drawing massive crowds of believers and non-believers alike. The display, intended to provide a meaningful experience, showcases the remains in a nitrogen-filled, bulletproof case within the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi.
