Year of St. Francis

In celebration of the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a Special Year of St. Francis, during which it is hoped 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." The year began on January 10, 2026, and will continue until January 10, 2027.

In the decree announcing the jubilee, the Vatican's Apostolic Penitentiary noted that previous jubilees have drawn inspiration from the saint and his work and said that "2026 will mark the culmination and fulfillment of all previous celebrations."

"This Year of St. Francis spurs all of us, each according to our possibilities, to imitate the poor man of Assisi, to form ourselves as far as possible on the model of Christ," the decree states. "Our time is not very different from that in which Francis lived, and precisely in the light of this, his teaching is perhaps even more valid and understandable today. When Christian charity languishes, ignorance spreads like immorality, and those who exalt concord among peoples do so more out of selfishness than out of a sincere Christian spirit, when the virtual takes over the real, disagreements and social violence are part of everyday life, and peace becomes more insecure and distant every day."

In a letter to the ministers general of the Franciscan Family Conference, Pope Leo emphasized that St. Francis continues to speak to us today because "his life points to the authentic source of peace."

"May the example and spiritual legacy of this saint, strong in faith, steadfast in hope, and ardent in active charity toward others, inspire in all the importance of trusting in the Lord, of dedicating oneself to a life faithful to the Gospel, of accepting and illuminating with faith and prayer every circumstance and action of life," the pope wrote.

The pope's letter marking the start of the jubilee year was read during a celebration at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Assisi, which houses the Chapel of the Transit, marking the site where St. Francis died.