Saint Francis of Assisi’s skeleton goes on public display for first time

For the first time, the skeleton of Saint Francis of Assisi is on public display at the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Italy. The remains, housed in a nitrogen-filled plexiglass case, are expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors until March 22nd. Saint Francis, who died in 1226, founded the Franciscan order and dedicated his life to serving the poor. The display is intended to offer a meaningful experience for both believers and non-believers. While his remains were transferred to the basilica in 1230, his tomb was rediscovered in 1818, and the bones have only been displayed once before, in 1978, to a limited audience. The display includes security measures like bullet-proof glass and 24-hour surveillance.

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