Pope Leo XIV proclaims a Jubilee Year coinciding with the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi
- paulette275
- Jan 20
- 2 min read
“This coming October will mark the eighth century of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, a man of peace and dialogue, universally recognized even by those who do not belong to the Catholic Church. His life shines brightly, for it was inspired by the courage to live in truth, and the knowledge that a peaceful world is built starting with humble hearts turned towards the heavenly city.” Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a Jubilee Year to coincide with the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi on Oct. 4, 1226. In Pope Leo’s letter to the ministers general of the Conference of the Franciscan Family, he stated that St. Francis’ message of peace is needed now, more than ever.
“In this age, marked by so many seemingly interminable wars, by internal and social decisions that create mistrust and fear, he continues to speak,” Leo wrote. “Not because he offers technical solutions, but because his life points to the authentic source of peace. That peace is not limited to the relations between human beings but extends to the entire family of Creation.”
Leo’s letter ended with an intercessory prayer to St. Francis “to give us the courage to build bridges where the world raises up boundaries. In this time afflicted by conflict and division, intercede for us so that we may become peacemakers: unarmed and disarming witnesses of the peace that comes from Christ.”
The Papal Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Assisi, Italy is the site for the Franciscan Jubilee Year events, which include the first public display of St. Francis’ body, for which Leo granted permission from Feb. 22 to March 26. An estimated 250,000 pilgrims have registered for venerating the relics in Assisi. The reservation website is in Italian and English.
The Jubilee Year began January 10, 2026 just as the Jubilee Holy Year of Hope ended, and concludes January 10, 2027.
