Cardinal Ernest Simoni Venerates St. Francis of Assisi’s Remains at 97 in Assisi Italy Amid Pilgrimage Crowd

In a deeply moving pilgrimage, 97-year-old Cardinal Ernest Simoni was among the last to venerate the skeletal remains of St. Francis of Assisi before they were returned to the crypt of the 13th-century Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy.

The saint’s bones, encased in nitrogen-filled plexiglass since 1978, had been on public display for a month, drawing thousands of pilgrims from across the globe.

Despite mobility challenges, Simoni insisted on experiencing the grace of praying before the saint’s remains, marking a poignant moment in the year commemorating the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ death.

A Historic Display for Pilgrims Worldwide

From February 22 to March 22, St. Francis’ bones were visible to the faithful, though normally they remain sealed inside the tomb at the foot of the altar in the lower church.

Over 370,000 pilgrims came to the Basilica during this month-long exhibition, kneeling in quiet reverence beneath frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue.

The Sacred Convent’s custodians described the atmosphere as both serene and joyful, with a sense that the saint himself had drawn the faithful to witness his life and legacy.

Cardinal Simoni’s Journey of Faith and Perseverance

Simoni, who will celebrate his 70th ordination anniversary on April 7, has a life story marked by resilience and devotion.

Secretly ordained in 1956 under Albania’s communist regime, he endured brutal persecution, including a death sentence commuted to forced labor, 18 years in prison, and menial work cleaning sewers after his release.

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Even in prison, he celebrated Mass clandestinely, speaking Latin in ways that deceived his jailers while maintaining his priestly ministry.

His courage moved Pope Francis to tears during a 2014 visit to Albania, and the pope later elevated him to cardinal in 2016.

A Lifelong Devotion to Franciscan Ideals

Simoni’s connection to St. Francis began in childhood. At age 10, he entered a Franciscan convent in Shkodër, Albania, taking the name Friar Enrico and committing to a life of poverty and service.

During the communist regime, many of his Franciscan mentors were executed as enemies of the state, leaving lasting impressions on young Simoni.

In Assisi, he celebrated Mass at the Protomonastery of St. Clare, prayed at St. Francis’ tomb, and met with cloistered nuns, demonstrating his enduring devotion and spiritual vigor.

Pilgrimage Draws the Faithful from Across the Globe

The exhibition of St. Francis’ remains drew pilgrims of all ages, including many young people seen as the future of the Church.

Friar Marco Moroni, custos of the Sacred Convent, emphasized the unity and spiritual fraternity created by this gathering, calling it “a full power of a life animated by the Spirit.”

The event highlighted how centuries-old traditions can continue to inspire contemporary believers, showing a living link between faith, history, and personal devotion.

Impact and Consequences

• Cardinal Simoni’s participation reinforces the Church’s connection to historical figures of faith and showcases the importance of elder spiritual witnesses.
• The pilgrimage highlighted St. Francis’ universal appeal, fostering reflection on peace, fraternity, and humility among tens of thousands of participants.
• Media coverage of the event demonstrated the effectiveness of organized communication in spiritual and cultural events.

What’s Next?

With the bones now returned to their crypt, the Basilica of St. Francis will continue to welcome pilgrims to pray at the tomb, maintaining the centuries-old tradition of honoring the saint.

Cardinal Simoni, despite age and health concerns, may continue participating in smaller, symbolic pilgrimages and celebrations, carrying forward his lifelong message of resilience and faith.

Summary

Cardinal Ernest Simoni, a survivor of Albania’s brutal communist persecution, joined over 370,000 pilgrims to venerate St. Francis of Assisi’s remains in Assisi, Italy.

His journey reflects extraordinary perseverance, deep devotion to Franciscan ideals, and a message of hope and fraternity for the faithful worldwide.

The event underscored the enduring power of St. Francis’ legacy in connecting generations and inspiring spiritual reflection.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Cardinal Ernest Simoni, 97, venerated St. Francis of Assisi’s remains before their return to the crypt in Assisi
• The bones were on display from February 22 to March 22, 2026, drawing over 370,000 pilgrims
• Simoni survived brutal persecution under Albania’s communist regime, including imprisonment and forced labor
• Secretly ordained in 1956, he celebrated clandestine Masses in prison
• Simoni entered the Franciscan convent in Shkodër at age 10, taking the name Friar Enrico
• The cardinal celebrated Mass at the Protomonastery of St. Clare during his pilgrimage
• Pilgrims experienced a serene, reflective atmosphere beneath historic frescoes in the Basilica
• The event commemorated the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ death, highlighting his enduring influence on the Church