2026, anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi
On January 10, 2026, Pope Leo XIV marked the opening of a special year dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi. This commemorative year marks the 800th anniversary of the death of the Poverello, on October 3, 1226. This year of Saint Francis is an opportunity to discover more about the spirituality of the author of the Canticle of Creatures, a great saint with a poor heart and a friend of animals.
What is the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis of Assisi?
In the Catholic Church, jubilee years are special periods for receiving indulgences and drawing closer to God through spiritual highlights. Jubilees take place every 25 years (2025 was a jubilee year), but certain significant events can also be the occasion for a special year. The 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi is one such occasion.
Celebrating 800 years since the death of St. Francis of Assisi is an opportunity to remember his spiritual legacy. All over the world, this year is the occasion for masses, spiritual retreats and community events around the saint and Franciscan spirituality. Through these events, each member of the faithful is invited to reflect on the teachings of Saint Francis, to practice acts of charity to follow in his footsteps on a path of poverty and peace , and to ask for indulgences.
Indulgences and spirituality during the Jubilee Year
A decree, dated January 16, states that a plenary indulgence will be granted to all those who, "with their souls detached from sin, participate in the Year of St. Francis, by visiting, in the form of a pilgrimage, any Franciscan conventual church or place of worship in the world dedicated to Saint Francis," or "linked to him for whatever reason." "They will devoutly follow the jubilee rites, or at least devote a suitable amount of time to meditation and prayer, so that, following the example of St. Francis, sentiments of Christian charity towards one's neighbor and genuine vows of concord and peace between peoples may spring up in hearts."
The plenary indulgence is the total remission of temporal punishment for sin, granted by the Church. It requires sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, prayer for the Pope's intentions and total detachment from sin (Indulgentiarum Doctrina, n.7, 1967). During a Jubilee, it also requires a pilgrimage.
The legacy of St. Francis of Assisi today
Saint Francis of Assisi is one of the world's greatest saints. In particular, he embodies fraternal peace.
For the challenges of our time, Saint Francis - through his relationship with Creation, his evangelical poverty - also invites us to change our view of what surrounds us, and to experience praise and sobriety. He is a model of inner conversion.
How can you pray and walk with Saint Francis during his jubilee?
Discover 5 beautiful prayers attributed or inspired by the saint himself that will take you into Franciscan spirituality:
- The Canticle of Creatures
- The Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace
- The Morning Prayer
- The Pater Noster of St. Francis of Assisi
- The Praises of God
And on Hozana, you'll find a series of prayers to follow in the footsteps of this saint who still has so much to teach us:
- of a life dedicated to Christ
- to entrust him with our spiritual quests
