Assisi & Italy Pilgrimages: 800 Years of St. Francis
The year 2026 is designated as the ‘Easter of Francis of Assisi,’ celebrating the culmination of the events from his final years. In 2025, thousands of Catholic pilgrims joined Nawas in observing the Jubilee Year of Hope. In 2026, we look forward to welcoming even more pilgrims as Catholics around the world commemorate the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ death and honor his enduring spiritual legacy throughout this special year.
The Relics of St. Francis to be Displayed
The relics of St. Francis will be displayed at the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi from February 22 to March 22, 2026. During this period, his body will be transferred from its resting place in the crypt and positioned before the papal altar in the lower church. This rare event is expected to attract large numbers of pilgrims to Assisi.
Francis died on October 3, 1226, two years after receiving the stigmata, the wounds resembling Christ’s crucifixion. These marks appeared on St. Francis in 1224 while he prayed on Mount La Verna, symbolizing his deep identification with Christ’s suffering and divine favor.
St. Francis was the first known person to bear the stigmata, which reflected his mission to live in the manner of Jesus through poverty, humility, and love for all creation.
Pope Leo XIV’s Spiritual Connection to St. Francis
Since becoming pope, Leo XIV has emphasized his spiritual connection to St. Francis. In his prayer intention for the 2025 Season of Creation, he requested prayers for a renewed relationship with creation, invoking St. Francis:
Like Saint Francis of Assisi,
today we too want to say:
‘Praised be You, my Lord!’
Visit Assisi & St. Francis Basilica on an Italy Pilgrimage
Honor St. Francis’ inspiring life on a visit to Assisi, where the beloved saint was born and where he died. Assisi and St. Francis Basilica are included on all NAWAS 2026 Italy Pilgrimages.
One of the most popular sites in the hilltop town of Assisi today is the Basilica of St. Francis, where the saint is buried in the lower chamber. NAWAS pilgrims can visit the basilica, as well as the Church of St. Clare and Santa Maria degli Angeli, home of the Porziuncola Chapel.
On NAWAS’ Italy Pilgrimages, you’ll visit other important shrines of our faith including:
- Eternal Rome and the four major basilicas: St. Peters, St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. John Lateran, and St. Mary Major
- Attend an Audience with the Pope at St. Peter’s Basilica
Some 800 Years of St. Francis programs also include Florence and Venice. You can choose from our inspiring 2026 Easter of St. Francis of Assisi pilgrimages or customize your own.
Mass Scheduled Daily
We know Mass is vital to you and your people. We schedule daily Mass with special time for personal devotions throughout your
pilgrimage.
Our featured 2026 Easter of Francis of Assisi Pilgrimages to Rome and Italy
NAWAS offers an array of 800 Years of St. Francis Pilgrimages to Assisi, Rome, Vatican City, and the rest of Italy in 2026. Join us in Italy for this special year.
11 Days Italy Pilgrimage
Our most popular pilgrimage. See the best of Rome and Italy as you discover the winding canals of Venice … see the Renaissance art treasures of Florence … visit Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis … enjoy four nights in Rome and visit the four major Basilicas … attend a Papal Audience.
11 Days Italy with San Giovanni
Witness the Renaissance artistry of Florence … discover the spiritual aura of Assisi … bask in the sacred atmosphere of San Giovanni Rotondo, the resting place of Padre Pio … enjoy four nights in Rome and attend a Papal Audience.
11 Days Treasures of Italy
Begin in beautiful Florence … visit Assisi, home to the breathtaking Basilica of St. Francis … experience the Eucharistic Miracle in Lanciano, then explore the spiritual haven of San Giovanni Rotondo and the historic Monte Cassino Abbey …explore scenic Sorrento and the stunning Amalfi Coast … end in Eternal Rome.
11 Days Lourdes & Italy Pilgrimage
Pray in Lourdes where Mary appeared … see Avignon and the old Papal Palace … tour Nice on the French Riviera … see the Renaissance artworks of Florence … visit St. Francis’ town of Assisi … and spend three nights in Eternal Rome.