10 Apr 2011

Saint's tomb to be open to public again in Assisi

4:29 am on 10 April 2011

The tomb of one of the most venerated of all Catholic saints, Francis of Assisi, is reopening to the public in Italy.

Expert metal polishers and stone masons have given the tomb its first restoration in 800 years.

Devotees of St Francis are holding a special mass in Assisi to celebrate.

Francis, the patron saint of animals and Italy, was said to have been able to charm the birds from the trees.