Pope Leo XIV has declared 2026 a “Special Year of St Francis”, honouring the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi.
The jubilee year was inaugurated on January 10 with a decree issued by the Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See, and will run until January 10, 2027.
During that time, the faithful can obtain this grace under the usual conditions – sacramental confession, Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the pope – by making a pilgrimage to any Franciscan conventual church or place of worship dedicated to St Francis anywhere in the world.
The decree asked that every Christian, “following the example of the Saint of Assisi, may himself become a model of holiness of life and a constant witness of peace.”
Pope Leo XIV said the example of St Francis was needed now more than ever.
“In this age, marked by so many seemingly interminable wars, by internal and social divisions that create mistrust and fear, he continues to speak. Not because he offers technical solutions, but because his life points to the authentic source of peace,” the pope wrote.
St Francis of Assisi was born in 1181 and following a live of extravagance as a young man, he lived a life of poverty and founded the Order of Friars Minor, know more commonly as the Franciscans, as many people followed his example.
His spirituality has inspired the creation of many other religious orders throughout the centuries and he remains one of the most influential saints in the life of the Church.
He died on Saturday, 3 October 1226 and was declared a saint just two years later. His body was buried in the Basilica of St Francis which was built shortly after his death.
From February 22nd to March 26th, the saint’s body will be on display as the Basilica of St Francis for the first time.