Commemorating 800 years since the death of                    Saint Francis of Assisi

The year 2026 marks a historic milestone: 800 years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi. 

To honor this anniversary, the mortal remains of Saint Francis will be moved from the crypt and placed at the foot of the papal altar in the Lower Basilica.

For the first time in history, public veneration will take place from 22 February to 22 March 2026.

 “an extraordinary gift, a profound invitation to prayer, and an opportunity to see the Gospel of Christ lived out fully in the life of someone just like us.” 

How to see the remains of Saint Francis

To allow everyone a meaningful, prayerful experience, all pilgrims must use the free and mandatory online reservation system available on the official centenary website www.sanfrancescovive.org. Click here to book your slot directly. This is the only way to book your veneration time.

The veneration route is designed for both personal contemplation and communal participation, and is accessible for pilgrims with mobility or visual impairments.

Pilgrims may choose between:

Option A – Accompanied by a Friar

A 30-minute spiritual path with brief reflections offered by a friar. Available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Polish and Italian. Total expected time: about 1 hour.

Option B – Self-Guided and Silent

A personal experience, guided by written explanations in multiple languages. Total expected time: about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

At the end of both paths, a short liturgical rite will be celebrated, and each visitor will receive a gift from the Franciscan community.

Special evening veneration services will also be organized for families, religious communities, and members of the Secular Franciscan Order.

Essential information for pilgrims during the exposition

  • Guided tours in the Upper and Lower Basilicas are suspended for the entire duration of the exposition.
  • The Lower Basilica is reserved exclusively for veneration.
  • The Upper Basilica will host Holy Masses.
  • Passage before the Saint’s urn will proceed in an orderly, silent, prayerful flow.
  • After passing the urn, pilgrims may pause briefly for personal prayer.

Arrival Instructions for Both Options

Arrive at Piazza Inferiore 45 minutes before your reserved time.

Show your QR code (digital or printed).

Group leaders will present the code on behalf of their group.

Holy Masses in the Basilica

All Holy Masses will be celebrated exclusively in the Upper Basilica. The liturgies, especially the international Masses, reflect the universal nature of the Church as pilgrims from around the world gather in Assisi for this historic spiritual moment.

No Private Masses

Please note that no private Masses can be booked or celebrated in the Basilica during this period due to the extraordinary number of pilgrims and the special liturgical program in place.

Daily International Masses

From Monday to Saturday, the Basilica will celebrate two international Masses at:

  • 11:00 AM
  • 5:00 PM

Mass Schedule 

Saturdays & Sundays:
7:30 • 9:00 • 11:00 • 12:30 • 14:00 • 15:30 • 17:00 • 18:30

Weekdays:
7:30 • 9:00 • 11:00 • 14:00 • 17:00

Reservations are free but mandatory due to limited capacity. To attend any Mass, book your seat here.

Planning Your Visit

If attending Mass before or after veneration:

  • Allow for the full duration of your veneration path (Option A or B).
  • Arrive 20 minutes early for Mass.
  • Allow 20 minutes to walk between the Upper and Lower Basilicas.
  • Choose your Mass time carefully. Check out this handy guide.

Need Assistance?

For help or questions regarding your visit to Assisi during this extraordinary event, please contact:
📩 gwen@viaassisi.com

For the most complete, up-to-date English guide to the 2026 Saint Francis Relic Exposition, visit the resources page → Substack coming soon. Subscribe for updates, booking tips, and the latest information.