“All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” – Saint Francis of Assisi
As part of our popular pilgrimages to Italy, pilgrims can visit Assisi, a spiritual and historic place of pilgrimage and one of the most stunning medieval towns in Italy. Assisi is the homeplace of Saint Francis, one of the most revered Saints in Catholic tradition, founder of the Franciscan orders of the Friars Minors, the women’s Order of St. Clare and the lay Third Order.
A historic year in Assisi
In October 2025, Pope Leo XIV approved that the body of Saint Francis will be moved from his tomb, located in the crypt of the Franciscan basilica, and placed at the foot of the papal altar in the lower church to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis in 1226.
This important event with the motto “Saint Francis Lives”, will officially open the centenary celebrations with the inauguration of the Eighth Centenary of the Death of Saint Francis on the 10th of January 2026.
Spring 2026 will be the first time where the mortal remains of Saint Francis will be seen public, taking place from 22 February to 22 March 2026; and pilgrims from all over the world will be able to gather before the body of the Saint Francis of Assisi.
A mandatory and free online reservation is required on the centennial website SANFRANCESCOVIVE.ORG .
Life of St Francis
Born in the 12th century in Assisi, a region in Umbria, Italy, it is believed that Saint Francis came from a wealthy family, living a wealthy lifestyle during his youth, according to Thomas of Celano, his first biographer.
Moving by the ambition to become a knight and a noble, Francis joined a battle against the Perugians, however, the Assisians were defeated and Francis spent one year in prison, where he contracted a long illness.
Once released from prison and recovered from illness, he attempted to join battle against the emperor Frederick II, however while sleeping, Francis had a vision during which he was told to return to Assisi which he of course did.
Many legends talk about the growth of Saint Francis to a life devoted to Christianity, including his encounter with an ill man while out horse riding.
Soon after, the Saint began receiving messages from God, who asked Francis to repair the Christian Church. It was then that Francis abandoned his earlier wealthy life to live a life in poverty.
The Saint offered his possessions to the people in need and did not accept any money. It is even said that Francis used to wear a humble tunic with a rope and three knots as a symbol of poverty. He is also known for his love for animals and nature.
As he began preaching in Assisi, following the Gospel, he was followed by many disciples who listened to Francis’ lessons and wanted to live a life devoted to God and poverty, known as the Franciscan Friars.
In 1224, he received the Stigmata of Christ, being the first person to receive it. Francis died on October 1226 in Portiuncula, and he was canonized by Pope Gregory IX in 1228.
Visitors and pilgrims can find the remains of Saint Francis in The Basilica of San Francesco or Saint Francis Basilica, located in Assisi and considered one of the most important sanctuaries in the town.
Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi
The feast of Saint Francis is celebrated each year on 4th October, commemorating the Saint, and is considered a very important event in the Franciscan calendar. On this date, various celebrations take place in the Basilica of St Francis and the Basilica of Santa Maria Degli Angeli.
The Joe Walsh Tours Pilgrimages travel experts can design a range of memorable pilgrimage tours to Italy and Assisi. If you are a group leader looking to organise a pilgrimage to Italy to remember the death of St Francis in 2026, talk to our travel team.
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