With a papal decree, Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a Jubilee Year dedicated to Saint Francis, to be celebrated from January 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027. The year marks eight centuries since the death of the Poor Man of Assisi and invites Christians across the world to rediscover and live his message of peace, fraternity, and reconciliation with renewed commitment.
Eight hundred years after his passing, Assisi once again becomes the spiritual center of a global celebration — one that speaks not only to believers, but to all who are searching for meaning.
Fr. Francesco Piloni, Provincial Minister of the Friars Minor of Umbria, reflected on what this moment means for the saint’s hometown. He said, “Assisi becomes, indeed, a capital. But a capital of what? Of witnesses — men and women like Francis, like Clare. And now Carlo Acutis joins them. People who said yes, it is possible: slow down, stop for every brother you meet. This is what I feel called to say to every baptized Christian. It does not matter who you run for in life — what matters is who you are able to stop for. Because if you have run so fast and missed the essential relationships, you will find yourself caught in a great restlessness, and you will taste nothing of life.”
The Porziuncola and the Gift of the Pardon
At the heart of the Jubilee stands the Porziuncola, preserved inside the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. It was here that Francis discerned his vocation, founded the Order of Friars Minor, and gave the Church the “Pardon of Assisi,” a sign of God’s boundless mercy.
Recalling the significance of this sacred place, Fr. Piloni explained, “It was here, at the Porziuncola, that Francis — after the Pardon of Assisi — declared: I want to send you all to heaven, and heaven is already here. But one must stop, in order to listen to oneself and to hear the voice that dwells within us.”
For pilgrims traveling to Assisi during the Jubilee Year, that same spirit of forgiveness will be made tangible once again. Through Pope Leo XIV’s decree, the faithful will be able to receive the plenary indulgence connected to the Pardon of Assisi.
Fr. Giulio Cesareo, Director of the Sacro Convento Communication Office, emphasized that Francis’ appeal extends far beyond the Franciscan family. “Francis is a significant figure, and the Church — through the Holy Father — recognizes that he can be meaningful even for those who are not, strictly speaking, Franciscan. Because he is precisely this blessing. Those who listen to him live as brothers and sisters; those who listen to him live in peace; those who listen to him care for nature; those who listen to him build relationships founded on respect and service.”
Events of Prayer, Reflection, and Encounter
The Jubilee Year will include a rich program of liturgical celebrations and cultural initiatives inspired by the life and spirituality of Saint Francis.
Among them will be a conference dedicated to the dignity of death. As Fr. Cesareo noted, “There will even be a conference dedicated to the dignity of death, held at Santa Maria degli Angeli in the final days of the exposition (of his mortal remains) at the end of March, followed by the great feast of Saint Francis.”
Fr. Piloni also announced a national conference organized in collaboration with the Catholic University and the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome. “We wanted to create — to conceive — a national conference together with the Catholic University and the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, one that would explore three words that Francis himself used in the Canticle: illness, tribulation, and death. Three words that, the moment we encounter them, place us in a state of heightened awareness, stirring feelings of fear, fragility, and the question of how we will face them.”
On October 27, Assisi will host an Interreligious Day of Prayer and Reflection for Peace, marking the 40th anniversary of the historic gathering convened by Saint John Paul II.
One of the most anticipated events will take place on August 6, when young people from across Europe will make a pilgrimage to Assisi to meet Pope Leo XIV.
For those unable to travel to Italy, organizers have developed a digital alternative. Fr. Cesareo explained, “This is why we created our app, called San Francesco Digitale. In addition to hosting our magazines — which can be read in multiple languages thanks to an automatic translator that allows access even in Afghan — it brings together our websites and our events in one place. It is a way, so to speak, of being here without being here — of following us from wherever you are.”
Throughout 2026, the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis will unfold as a call to pause, to listen, and to rediscover what truly matters — echoing the saint’s enduring invitation to live in peace, fraternity, and trust in God.
Adapted by Jacob Stein. Produced by Alexey Gotovskiy; Camera by Ilaria Chimenti, Andrea Manna; Video Edited by Ilaria Chimenti.
