St Francis relics go on public show for first time in Italy

Inside a nitrogen-filled plexiglass case with the Latin inscription "Corpus Sancti Francisci" (The Body of St Francis), the remains are being shown in the Italian hill town's Basilica of St Francis of Assisi. St Francis, who died on October 3, 1226, founded the Franciscan order after renouncing his wealth and devoting his life to the poor. Giulio Cesareo, director of communications for the Franciscan convent in Assisi said he hoped the display could be "a meaningful experience" for believers and non-believers alike.