Statue of Saint Francis

The Estatua de San Francisco de Asís is a stone monument located beside the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Canindé, depicting the saint in his traditional religious garments. The sculpture stands in a simple yet dignified form, anchored within the broader sanctuary space and basilica grounds.

The monument was installed during the construction of Franciscan buildings in Canindé in the 1600s, marking the expansion of the Franciscan order in northeastern Brazil. This period shaped the location's growth into a center for religious devotion that drew people from across the region.

The statue serves as a gathering point for pilgrims and worshippers visiting the sanctuary, especially during religious festivals and holy days. It stands at the heart of processions and prayer ceremonies that occur throughout the year.

The monument is easily accessible through the main square and features benches, information panels, and designated spots for photography. The site is open to visitors during daylight hours, when sunlight best illuminates the stone details of the sculpture.

The sanctuary at Canindé ranks as the second-largest Franciscan pilgrimage center in the world, surpassed only by Assisi in Italy. This status reflects the powerful draw the statue and location hold for pilgrims traveling from across South America.