The relics of St. Francis of Assisi, the medieval friar who inspired Pope Francis and generations of Christians, are on public display in Assisi for the first time. This month-long exhibition marks the 800th anniversary of the saint's death and has already attracted nearly 400,000 pilgrims. The display is a significant event for the city, as it puts immense strain on the city's infrastructure and services, but it also brings a unique opportunity to showcase Assisi's rich history and religious significance. The city's residents, accustomed to mass influxes of pilgrims for limited celebrations, are now preparing for a prolonged period of tourism. The relics, held in a bulletproof glass box, are being herded through the medieval city's cobblestone streets and into the lower Basilica of St. Francis by a team of 400 volunteers. This is a rare chance for Christians to pray before the remains of a saint who has inspired so many. Assisi, already a popular pilgrimage site, is now experiencing a surge in visitors due to the presence of St. Francis' tomb and the spectacular basilica adorned with Giotto's frescoes. St. Francis, born into wealth in 1182, renounced his riches to live as a mendicant friar, advocating for peace, love for creation, and care for the poor. His teachings strongly influenced Pope Francis, the first pope to take his name. The public display of St. Francis' relics is a unique opportunity to preserve his message and allow Christians to connect with his legacy. Assisi is also gaining popularity due to the canonization of Carlo Acutis, a new saint who has attracted a new generation of pilgrims, especially among young Latin Americans. This has led to a 30% increase in pilgrims, with many visiting both Acutis' and St. Francis' sites. The city's souvenir merchants, who rely on religious tourists, are welcoming the prolonged event, as it provides a longer opportunity for visitors to explore the town. However, the residents of Assisi, while accustomed to tourism, are also concerned about the strain on the city's resources and the impact on their daily lives. The city has implemented new parking lots and shuttle services to manage the influx of visitors, aiming to ensure that the exhibition leaves a positive legacy for the community.
