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.

About St. Francis of Assisi

St. Francis of Assisi was born in Assisi, Italy, in 1181 to a wealthy family. He lived a privileged early life but desired to be a knight and to receive the glory that went with it. He went to war, but it didn’t go well. He was captured and injured. Eventually released to his family, he seemed lost.

An incident he later credited with changing his life was an encounter with a leper outside the walls of the city. The leper asked for his help, but repulsed, Francis fled. Then, regretting his reaction, he returned and embraced the man. The experience led Francis to reflect on his life and to spend more time in prayer and solitude.

While praying in a rundown chapel on the outskirts of town, Francis heard Jesus address him, telling him, “Francis rebuild my house for it is falling down.” He initially thought Jesus wanted him to rebuild the chapel, but he would later come to understand the true meaning of what Jesus was telling him. Francis would eventually give up all his wealth to live a simple of prayer, poverty, obedience to the Lord, and service to the poor.

Others would begin to follow Francis's example. With the approval of Pope Innocent III, St. Francis founded the Franciscan Order in the early 13th century, launching what is generally recognized as the greatest spiritual renewal the Church has ever known.

"St. Francis renounced his inheritance and his father's wealth. He stripped himself of privilege and status to follow the poor Christ. But notice what Francis did not do. He didn't renounce Assisi. He didn't flee his town or his people. He stayed there. He lived the Gospel in the middle of his culture and that transformed it. Francis shows us that evangelizing culture doesn't mean abandoning it. It means living the Gospel right where you are, so the culture is changed from within," said Bishop James Ruggieri (Auspice Maria, ep. 13).

When St. Francis died on October 4, 1226, there were no fewer than 17,000 Franciscans. It is estimated there are now 650,000 in 110 countries. That number includes members of the First Order (Friars), Second Order (Poor Clares), and Third Order (Secular Franciscans and Third Order Regular Franciscans).

Secular Franciscans

Secular Franciscans are men and women, single or married, who seek to follow Christ in the spirit of St. Francis and to bring the Gospel to life where they live and work. There are six Secular Franciscan fraternities in Maine: The Heart of St. Francis Fraternity in Houlton, the Seven Joys of the Blessed Virgin Mary Fraternity in Kennebunkport, the St. Francis Fraternity in Lewiston, the Holy Family Fraternity in Norway, the St. John the Baptist Fraternity in Waterville, and the Sowers of the Word Fraternity in Windham.

Plenary Indulgence

The jubilee year carries with it the possibility of receiving a plenary indulgence. A plenary indulgence is a grace granted by the Catholic Church through the merits of Jesus Christ to remove the temporal punishment due to sin. When we sin, we commit an offense against God, and while we receive forgiveness through the sacrament of reconciliation, the effects of that sin sometimes remain. A plenary indulgence heals that wound, removing all temporal punishment from that sin while a partial indulgence removes some temporal punishment.

Pope Leo's Prayer to St. Francis

St. Francis, our brother, you who eight hundred years ago
went to meet sister death like a pacified man,
intercede for us with the Lord.

You recognized true peace in the Crucifix of San Damiano,
teach us to seek in Him the source of all reconciliation
that breaks down every wall.

You who, unarmed, crossed the lines of war
and misunderstanding,
give us the courage to build bridges
where the world erects borders,

In this time afflicted by conflicts and divisions,
intercede so that we may become peacemakers:
unarmed and disarming witnesses of the peace that comes from Christ.
Amen