Relics of Saint Francis of Assisi leave Italy for US exhibition

Two sacred relics of Saint Francis of Assisi have left Italy for the first time in 800 years to be exhibited in San Francisco, United States. Among the items is a bandage containing the blood of the saint, which is kept in a silver reliquary. The cloth was used to stem bleeding after he received the stigmata in La Verna, Italy, following a 40-day fast.

The exhibition marks a historic event for Catholic faithful and scholars worldwide. The movement follows a special jubilee year declared by Pope Leo XIV to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the saint's death. Other items on display include the Painting of the Veil of Saint Clare of Assisi, various Renaissance paintings depicting the saint, and an Italo-Byzantine style panel that once covered his tomb. The exhibition is scheduled to be available until November 28.