Francis of Assisi's Remains Displayed for 800th Anniversary

Thousands of pilgrims gathered in Assisi as the remains of Francis of Assisi were placed on public display for the first time in fifty years.The exhibition marks the 800th anniversary of the death of the saint in 1226 and features his bones in a nitrogen-filled acrylic case.Spanish Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime and Brother Giulio Cesareo led the opening services for the historic event at the local basilica.Mayor Valter Stoppini expects 500,000 visitors by March 22 while Leo XIV is scheduled to visit the religious site later this August.