2026 Franciscan Jubilee Year: 800th anniversary of the transit of St. Francis of Assisi

“His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, Minister of our faith and our joy, establishes that, from January 10, 2026, to coincide with the closing of the Ordinary Jubilee, until 10 January 2027, a special Year of St. Francis may be proclaimed, in which every Christian faithful, following the example of the Saint of Assisi, may himself become a model of holiness of life and a constant witness of peace.”

~ January 10 Decree issued by the Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See

From the 10th January, 2026 to the 10th January, 2027, the Year of St. Francis will be celebrated, marking the 800th anniversary of his Transitus to Heaven. During this year, Catholics are encouraged to follow in the footsteps of St. Francis, becoming models of holiness of life and constant witnesses of peace, and it includes the opportunity for the faithful to receive a plenary indulgence.

The life and teachings of St. Francis of Assisi continue to shape the charisms of members of the Franciscan Families of the First, Second and Third Regular and Secular Orders, as well as to guide Religious Congregations that observe the Rule of St. Francis.

This extraordinary jubilee year offers the Christian faithful an opportunity to reflect on Francis’ legacy. His message of peace, Pope Leo says, remains ever important:

“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 Franciscan vision of peace is not limited to the relations between human beings, but also embraces the whole of creation. Francis, who calls the sun “brother” and the moon “sister”, who recognizes in every creature a reflection of divine beauty, reminds us that peace must be extended to the entire family of Creation. This insight resonates with particular urgency in our time, when our common home is threatened and cries out under exploitation. Peace with God, peace among human beings and with creation are inseparable dimensions of a single call to universal reconciliation.”

We joyfully share with you below reflections from our Franciscan Orders, celebrating the life of St. Francis, his enduring impact on the world, and the distinctive charism of the Franciscan family today.