On January 10, 2026, the 8th Centenary of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi (1226–2026), was officially opened. And, in the morning of February 21, 2026, Francis’ sarcophagus was reopened in the crypt of the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi. This is the first public and extended exposition of the mortal remains of St. Francis.
At 4:00 p.m., the case was moved from the crypt to the lower church of the basilica, where it was placed at the foot of the papal altar in an atmosphere of prayer and reflection.
From February 22 to March 22, 2026, the remains of St. Francis’ body, preserved in a transparent reliquary case, are available for veneration. Access to the exposition is free, but reservations are required to ensure an atmosphere of order and meditation. Nearly 400,000 reservations have been made so far. It is projected that 700,000 pilgrims may visit during the exposition.
