By Jacob Halbesma, Guest Writer

In the hilltop town of Assisi, Italy hundreds of thousands will flock for a rare viewing of one of Christianity’s most revered figures. 

This week, the skeletal remains of St. Francis of Assisi will go on public display, marking 800 years since he passed away. The Italian friar, nicknamed the Poverello “Poor Little Man,” is one of the most celebrated and impactful figures in the Roman Catholic Church’s extensive history. 

The skeleton was exhumed from his crypt in the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, which sits in the center of Italy, and transferred to the lower church. The 13^th century friar is the patron saint of Italy and founded the Franciscan order of the Friars Minor, a mendicant order that emphasizes living the Gospel and dedicates their lives to poverty and service to the poor. 

“Globally, being able to go and be in the presence of his holiness is a really big deal for a lot of people,” Dr. Marita von Weissenberg, a professor who specializes in Medieval European History and the history of saints, said. 

Many Catholics treat the bodies of important religious figures as relics, believing the whole heavenly saint remains connected spiritually to the worldly portion that remains. 

After his death in 1226, multiple attempts were made to steal his body, with many believing it was sacred. The town of Assisi placed his remains in an iron cage and buried it beneath the Basilica, where it stayed until excavators discovered it in 1818.

“There is a lot of spiritual importance and culture around relics, and you have this idea in faith that the human body is the best relic,” von Weissenberg said. 

While the remains were put on display for a brief period in 1978, viewing was restricted to Catholic figureheads and local citizens. This will be the first public display in over eight centuries, giving visitors a chance to learn more about St. Francis and his messages of peace and fraternity. 

Francis’s birth year remains unknown, occurring in 1181 or 1182. He was born to a rich cloth merchant and had a comfortable childhood, but circumstances quickly changed for the wealthy youth, who went to war when he was 20 years old, seeking glory as a knight. His expectations were shattered after he was taken as a prisoner for almost a year, during which many historians believe his spiritual transformation began. 

Eventually, St. Francis returned to Assisi, where he underwent his famous spiritual transformation. He publicly renounced his wealth and became devoted to poverty when he stripped off his garments in Assisi’s town square in front of his father.  

“His importance comes from how he’s not just a Catholic saint, but he is a recognizable figure throughout history,” von Weissenberg said.

According to Italian officials at the basilica, around 400,000 people have reserved a place to see the exhibition, demonstrating Francis’ global importance. The display will be open until March 22, giving the world a chance to see the man who taught that human life is not based on competition but on collaboration and mutual service.