Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a special Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi, marking the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death, in a move that underscores the enduring global relevance of Francis’ message of peace, humility, and care for creation.
The announcement was formalized through a decree issued by the Apostolic Penitentiary, the Vatican tribunal responsible for matters of conscience and indulgences. The decree establishes a yearlong Franciscan Jubilee beginning January 10, 2026, immediately following the conclusion of the Church’s ordinary Jubilee Year, and extending until January 10, 2027.
According to the decree, Pope Leo has designated the period as a time for spiritual renewal, inviting every Christian, “following the example of the Saint of Assisi, to become a model of holiness of life and a constant witness of peace.”
Culmination of Centuries of Franciscan Commemoration
The Vatican described the upcoming centenary as the culmination of several major Franciscan milestones commemorated in recent years. These include the 800th anniversary of the first Nativity scene, St. Francis’ composition of the “Canticle of the Creatures,” and his reception of the stigmata.
“2026 will mark the culmination and fulfillment of all previous celebrations,” the decree stated, presenting the Jubilee as a moment of synthesis for Francis’ spiritual legacy.
During the Jubilee Year, plenary indulgences will be granted to Catholics under the usual conditions of sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father. These indulgences may also be offered as suffrage for the souls in Purgatory.
The indulgence will be available to those who undertake pilgrimages to Franciscan conventual churches or places of worship dedicated to or associated with St. Francis anywhere in the world. Special provisions were also made for the sick, elderly, and caregivers who are unable to travel.
“They too may obtain the plenary indulgence,” the decree noted, “if they join spiritually in the Jubilee celebrations, offering their prayers, pains, or sufferings to the Merciful God.”
Call to Peace in a World Marked by Conflict
In a letter dated January 10 and addressed to the ministers general of the Conference of the Franciscan Family, Pope Leo emphasized that St. Francis’ message is urgently needed in today’s fractured world.
“In this age, marked by so many seemingly interminable wars, by internal and social divisions that create mistrust and fear, he continues to speak,” the pope wrote. “Not because he offers technical solutions, but because his life points to the authentic source of peace.”
Pope Leo stressed that Francis’ understanding of peace extends beyond human relationships.
“Peace with God, peace among human beings, and peace with creation are inseparable dimensions of a single call to universal reconciliation,” he said, adding that this vision carries special urgency at a time when the natural world “cries out under exploitation.”
The pope concluded with a prayer to St. Francis, asking his intercession “to give us the courage to build bridges where the world raises boundaries,” and urging believers to become “unarmed and disarming witnesses of the peace that comes from Christ.”
Jubilee Launch in Assisi
The pope’s message was read publicly during a solemn celebration on January 10 at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Assisi, home to the Chapel of the Transit, traditionally believed to be the place where St. Francis died.
Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino of Assisi, who attended the ceremony, described the opening of the Jubilee Year as “an explosion of true joy.”
“The wish I make to everyone and to the entire Church is to rediscover this saint of ours,” Sorrentino said. “To rediscover Jesus, the only source of joy and peace.”
Franciscan Friars, in a statement accompanying the decree, expressed hope that the Jubilee would inspire believers “to live with authentic Christian charity toward our neighbor and with sincere longing for concord and peace among peoples.”
Historic Public Display of St. Francis’ Body
One of the most significant events of the Jubilee Year will be the first public display of the body of St. Francis of Assisi.
The Basilica of St. Francis announced that Pope Leo has granted permission for the saint’s remains to be displayed for veneration from February 22 to March 26. Church officials have described the event as historic, given that the saint’s body has never before been presented publicly.
As of December, approximately 250,000 pilgrims had already registered to participate in the veneration. Basilica officials said the overwhelming response reflects “the universality of the message of the Saint of Assisi and the timeless appeal of his figure.”
To manage the expected influx of visitors, a free but mandatory online reservation system has been established, available in both Italian and English.
A Saint for the Modern World
Eight centuries after his death, St. Francis continues to speak powerfully to believers and non-believers alike. Known for radical poverty, reverence for creation, and commitment to peace, his life remains a countercultural witness in a world marked by conflict, inequality, and environmental crisis.
As the Franciscan Jubilee Year begins, the Church hopes the anniversary will serve not merely as a commemoration of the past, but as a call to renewed faith, reconciliation, and global responsibility.
