Saint Francis’ Remains Displayed After Nearly 50 Years

For the first time since 1978, the skeletal remains of Saint Francis of Assisi have been placed on public display at the Basilica of Saint Francis in Italy, drawing massive crowds of pilgrims and visitors.

Lines snaked outside the church Sunday as groups of 750 people were allowed entry every half hour to view the 13th-century bones, displayed in a plexiglass case by the altar.

The exhibition marks the 800th anniversary of the death of Italy’s patron saint, who founded the Franciscan order after renouncing his wealth to devote his life to the poor.

Visitors knelt, made the sign of the cross, and touched rosary beads to the case, many with tears in their eyes.

One pilgrim said being so close “makes things very real,” while another described an “immense, inexplicable joy.”

The remains show signs of a hard life—bones “consumed by fatigue, by privations”—and a damaged skull from when the body was moved in the 13th century.

The Franciscan order reports approximately 400,000 people have reserved visits before the display concludes on March 22.