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 is drawing nearly 400,000 pilgrims to the hilltop Umbrian town. The display is a mixed blessing for Assisi's residents and the Franciscan friars organizing it, as it puts a strain on the city's infrastructure and services, but also provides an opportunity to celebrate St. Francis' legacy. The relics are held in a bulletproof glass box and are being herded through the medieval city's cobblestone streets by a team of 400 volunteers. The city's center is experiencing a massive influx of visitors, with souvenir-lined streets and limited services. The mayor, Valter Stoppini, acknowledges the strain but remains calm, noting that the city is used to hosting events, even if they are usually brief. St. Francis is already a major pilgrimage destination, attracting millions of visitors each year due to his tomb and the spectacular basilica with Giotto's frescoes. However, Assisi is now also home to a new saint, Carlo Acutis, who was canonized last year by Pope Leo XIV as the Catholic Church's first millennial saint. Acutis' popularity, especially among young Latin Americans, has turned Assisi into a new religious destination for Catholic youth groups visiting Italy. The city's souvenir merchants welcome the month-long event, as it brings in religious tourists and pilgrims who flock to the picturesque town. However, residents face challenges, such as finding parking, but the extra parking lots and shuttle service created by the city hall aim to ease these issues. The exhibition is a way to keep St. Francis' message alive and allow Christians to pray before his relics, according to officials. It also highlights the town's reliance on tourism, as acknowledged by resident Riccardo Bacconi, who works in a local bank branch. The exhibition's legacy is expected to continue making life easier for locals after it ends.
