Bones of St Francis of Assisi go on public display in Italy

St Francis is one of the most venerated figures in Christianity and was born in the Italian city of Assisi in 1181 or 1182.

He renounced his wealth and devoted his life to the poor, founding the order of the Franciscans. He is also the patron saint of animals and the environment.

The Feast of St Francis is celebrated annually on 4 October to mark the day of his death in 1226.

The late Pope Francis, who died last year after leading the Roman Catholic Church for more than a decade, chose his name and modelled his papacy after the radical humility of Saint Francis.

St Francis of Assisi’s bones will be on display until 22 March.