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For the first time in history, the body of Saint Francis of Assisi is being displayed to the faithful. Yesterday morning, the exhumation of the mortal remains of the Poverello took place, marking the eighth centenary of his death. It was a solemn and historic moment not only for Assisi, but for the entire Church throughout the world.

In the afternoon, the urn containing his sacred remains was reverently transferred and placed before the altar of the Lower Basilica, within the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. The atmosphere was marked by prayer, silence, and profound gratitude for the life and witness of the Seraphic Father.

Beginning today, February 22, the faithful and pilgrims are invited to come and experience this unique moment of grace. The mortal remains will remain exposed until March 22 at the Papal Basilica of Assisi, offering an extraordinary opportunity for prayer, reflection, and renewal in the spirit of Francis — a spirit of humility, peace, fraternity, and joyful poverty.

As we commemorate 800 years since his passing, may this sacred time awaken in us a deeper desire to live the Gospel as he did: simply, faithfully, and wholeheartedly.

CCO: Photos: Curia Generale OFMCap

Pace e Bene!
We warmly invite you to "Come and See" –
to experience the life that St. Francis lived:
a life of humility, obedience, and deep simplicity,
bringing the Gospel to life, and life to the Gospel.
Come and walk in his footsteps.
Discover the joy of living the Gospel fully,
with open hearts and open hands.
Peace and all good!

The Canticle of the Sun

Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,
Yours are the praises, the glory, the honor, and all blessings.
To You alone, Most High, do they belong,
and no man is worthy to mention Your name.
Praised be You, my Lord, with all your creatures;
especially Brother Sun, who is the day, and through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor,
and bears a likeness to You, Most High One.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars;
in heaven You formed them clear and precious and beautiful.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Wind,
and through the air, cloudy and serene,
and every kind of weather through which You give sustenance to Your creatures.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water,
which is very useful and humble and precious and chaste.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Fire,
through whom You light the night;
and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Mother Earth,
who sustains us and governs us and who produces
varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs.
Praised be You, my Lord,
through those who give pardon for Your love,
and bear infirmity and tribulation.
Blessed are those who endure in peace
for by You, Most High, they shall be crowned.
Praised be You, my Lord,
through our Sister Bodily Death,
from whom no living man can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin.
Blessed are those whom death will find in Your most holy will,
for the second death shall do them no harm.
Praise and bless my Lord,
and give Him thanks,
and serve Him with great humility.
Amen.