The remains of Italy’s patron saint, St Francis of Assisi, have gone on public display for the first time in centuries to mark 800 years since he died in 1226.

The 13th century skeleton will be viewable from February 22 to March 22, 2026, in the lower church of the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi. Its only previous public showing was for a single day in 1978, and was limited to a small group.

On Saturday, Franciscan friars ceremonially transferred the stone sarcophagus from its crypt to a plexiglass case near the altar, where visitors can touch the outer surface. Nearly 400,000 people worldwide have registered to attend, according to the Franciscan Order.

After his death, fears that his remains could be stolen led to the body being concealed in an iron cage beneath the basilica. In 1818, Pope Pius VII authorised the Franciscans to recover the remains and reinter them in a new crypt.

Born in Assisi in 1181, St Francis renounced his family’s wealth and devoted his life to serving the poor, later founding the Franciscan order.

He is also recognised as the patron saint of animals and the environment.

Nicknamed the Poverello, meaning “Poor Little Man”, he remains one of the most venerated figures in Roman Catholic history. He is also commemorated by many Anglican churches and some Lutheran denominations. Thousands were drawn to him during his lifetime by his charisma, evangelical zeal and commitment to poverty and charity.

The late Pope Francis chose his papal name in honour of the saint of Assisi and frequently cited his example as a model of care for the poor and stewardship of the environment.

Celebrations across Italy will continue after the display ends. October 4, the feast day of St Francis, was reinstated as a public holiday last year and will take effect in 2026.