Hundreds of visitors are flocking to the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi on Sunday. Inside a nitrogen-filled Plexiglas box, the 800-year-old bones of Francis of Assisi are on public display for the first time since his death in 1226.
Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan order, is considered one of the most important saints in the Catholic faith. After giving up his wealth to live in voluntary poverty, he devoted himself to caring for the sick and poor.
The remains have been in the basilica since shortly after his death, but it was only after excavations in the 19th century that the tomb was rediscovered. Almost 400,000 people have already booked a place to see the remains, which are on display until March 22.
