St. Francis' relics on display in Assisi draw 400,000 pilgrims
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- The bones of St. Francis of Assisi are being displayed publicly for the first time in a monthlong event to commemorate the 800th anniversary of his death, attracting nearly half a million registered pilgrims to the Umbrian town.
- Assisi’s medieval city center faces significant strain from the influx, with 400 volunteers managing crowds through narrow streets to the lower Basilica of St. Francis where the relics are housed in a bulletproof glass box.
- St. Francis, known for his message of peace and care for the poor, inspired Pope Francis and millions of Christians, making Assisi a major pilgrimage site with its famous basilica and frescoes by Giotto.
- The town also attracts pilgrims for Carlo Acutis,
