• The bones of St. Francis of Assisi are on display for the first time, drawing nearly 400,000 visitors expected by March 22.
• Local residents express mixed feelings about the month-long event due to potential strains on city services.
• The exhibition commemorates 800 years since the saint's death, aiming to keep his spiritual message alive.
• Four hundred volunteers are assisting in managing the crowds visiting the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.
• Merchants welcome the influx of pilgrims, potentially boosting local business during the event.

The bones of St. Francis of Assisi, a pivotal figure in Christian history, have gone on public display for the first time in Italy, expected to attract about 400,000 visitors over a month. This exhibition marks the 800th anniversary of St. Francis' death and will be held in the lower church of the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi until March 22. The remains have only been publicly displayed once before, for a single day in 1978, making this event particularly significant, according to latimes and africanews.

City officials expect that with the exhibition, the number of pilgrims may reach up to a half million. Although such large gatherings place strains on the infrastructure and services of Assisi, the Mayor Valter Stoppini has indicated a sense of calm amid the challenges. He emphasized the need to manage the prolonged influx of visitors compared to the usual short celebrations the city usually hosts, exemplifying the unique nature of this event. This sentiment is shared among locals who have reported both excitement and concern regarding the overwhelming number of visitors, according to latimes and bbc.

The display aims not just to honor St. Francis but also to revitalize his teachings of peace and fraternity. Friar Giulio Cesareo expressed that “Francis instead is alive, because he continues to talk to the people,” highlighting the spiritual significance behind the exhibition. The involvement of 400 volunteers has been crucial in facilitating orderly access to the viewing of the bones, housed within a bulletproof glass case, according to latimes and africanews.

Local businesses have mixed feelings about the event; many view it as a positive opportunity for economic gain, while others worry about the strain on resources. Souvenir shop owner Arianna Catarinelli noted that increased customer traffic could significantly aid sales, despite challenges like parking. As visitors flock to see St. Francis’ bones, over 400 volunteers will help manage them through the city's historic streets, affirming the blend of spirituality and tourism during this monumental occasion, as reported by bbc and latimes.