Pope proclaims special Jubilee Year of St Francis
Saint’s tomb in Assisi opened for a full month – from February 22 to March 22
Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a special Jubilee Year of St Francis to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of the saint (1226-2026). This time of grace, offered as a gift to the entire Church, will extend until January 10, 2027 and will grant the faithful the opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence.
The announcement was made on January 10 through a decree of the apostolic penitentiary, inaugurating the Franciscan Jubilee as a time of authentic spiritual renewal.
During this year of grace, a plenary indulgence may be obtained by members of the Franciscan family and by all Christians devoted to St Francis who visit a Franciscan church anywhere in the world. The indulgence may be applied either for oneself or, by way of suffrage, for the faithful departed, under the usual conditions.
Christians who are sick or elderly and confined to their homes, as well as those who care for the sick or elderly and are unable to go out, may also obtain a plenary indulgence in their own homes. They are invited to do so by having a sincere intention of repentance for their sins, making a spiritual communion, praying according to the intentions of the pope, and offering their sufferings to God, rich in mercy, through the intercession of St Francis.
The Franciscan Jubilee is particularly significant as the custodian, together with the community of the Sacro Convento in Assisi, has decided to open the tomb of St Francis to the public from February 22 to March 22. The remains of the saint will remain exposed for a full month. Millions of pilgrims are expected to visit the basilica of St Francis during this time to venerate the saint.