JUBILEE YEAR
OF ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI
1226 -2026
THE YEAR OF SAINT FRANCIS - PLENARY INDULGENCE
The Apostolic Penitentiary, in accordance with the will of Pope Leo XIV, has issued a decree granting a plenary indulgence for the Year of Saint Francis, that is, from 10 January 2026 to 10 January 2027. This is linked to the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis, which falls this year. The indulgence can be obtained by those who fulfil the specified conditions.
The Holy Father’s intention is that, following the example of the Saint of Assisi, every Christian faithful should themselves become a model of holiness of life and a constant witness to peace.
For the more complete attainment of the stated aims, the Apostolic Penitentiary, by this Decree issued in accordance with the will of the Supreme Pontiff, on the occasion of the Year of Saint Francis, grants a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic Communion and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father), which can also be offered as suffrage for the souls in purgatory.
Conditions for members of the Franciscan Families
The indulgence may be obtained by members of the Franciscan Families of the First, Second and Third Orders, both regular and secular, as well as members of institutes of consecrated life, societies of apostolic life, and public or private associations of the faithful, both male and female, who observe the Rule of St Francis, are inspired by his spirituality, or in any way support his charism.
Conditions for other faithful
The indulgence may be obtained by any of the faithful who, with a heart free from attachment to sin, participate in the Year of Saint Francis by visiting in the form of a pilgrimage any Franciscan monastery church or place of worship anywhere in the world dedicated to St Francis or associated with him in any way , and there devoutly take part in the jubilee ceremonies. It is also sufficient to spend an appropriate time there in pious meditation and prayer, so that – following the example of St Francis – feelings of Christian love for one's neighbour and sincere desires for harmony and peace among nations may arise in their hearts, finishing with the prayers of Our Father, the Creed, and invocations to the Blessed Virgin Mary, St Francis of Assisi, St Clare, and all the Saints of the Franciscan Family.
Conditions for the sick and the elderly
The indulgence in the Year of Saint Francis can also be obtained by the elderly, the sick and those who care for them, as well as all those who, for serious reasons, cannot leave their homes. The condition is detachment from all sin and the intention to fulfil, as soon as possible, the three usual conditions of indulgence – if these people are spiritually united with the jubilee celebrations of the Year of Saint Francis, offering to the Merciful God their prayers, life’s pain and suffering.
Saint Francis, our brother, you who eight hundred years ago went to meet Sister Death
as a man at peace, intercede for us before 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 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.
Amen
LITANY OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
God, the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God, the Son, redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Holy Virgin Mary, Protectress and Advocateof the Franciscan Family;
R/. Pray for us.
Holy Mother Clare; R/.
Holy Father Francis; R/.
St. Francis, uplifted in heavenly contemplation; R/.
St. Francis, marked with the Stigmata of Jesus; R/.
St. Francis, on fire with seraphic love; R/.
St. Francis, lover of the Babe of Bethlehem; R/.
St. Francis, lover of the Sacred Passion; R/.
St. Francis, lover of the Blessed Sacrament; R/.
St. Francis, lover of the Name of Jesus; R/.
St. Francis, lover of the Holy Scriptures; R/.
St. Francis, lover of all the creatures of God; R/.
St. Francis, patron of care for creation; R/.
St. Francis, deacon of Holy Mother Church; R/.
St. Francis, brother to the lepers; R/.
St. Francis, emissary to the Sultan; R/.
St. Francis, confessor of the Faith; R/.
St. Francis, our advocate and guide; R/.
St. Francis, Seraphic Father; R/.
St. Francis, Patriarch of the Poor; R/.
St. Francis, Founder and Leader of three Franciscan Orders; R/.
St. Francis, preacher of penance; R/.
St. Francis, mirror of the Gospel; R/.
St. Francis, little poor man of Assisi; R/.
St. Francis, herald of the great King; R/.
St. Francis, messenger of peace; R/.
St. Francis, valiant knight of Christ; R/.
St. Francis, mighty lover of souls; R/.
St. Francis, martyr in desire; R/.
St. Francis, spouse of Lady Poverty; R/.
St. Francis, model of dedicated chastity; R/.
St. Francis, master of holy obedience; R/.
St. Francis, sincere in bodily penance; R/.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
Let us pray: O God, by whose gift St. Francis was conformed to Christ in poverty and humility, grant that, by walking in Francis’ footsteps, we may follow your Son, and, through joyful charity, come to be united with you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Administrator: o. Dariusz Szurko, OFM Conv.