20/01/2026
Franciscan Jubilee Year Proclaimed for the 800th Anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis
Assisi, Italy — January 10, 2026 marks the official opening of the Eighth Centenary of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi, a historic Franciscan Jubilee proclaimed by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in commemoration of the 800th anniversary of the passing of the Poverello of Assisi (1226–2026).
The announcement of the Franciscan Jubilee was formally made on October 3, 2025, at the Papal Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Assisi during the celebration of the First Vespers of the Transitus of St. Francis. On behalf of all the Ministers General of the Franciscan Family, the Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor, Br. Massimo Fusarelli, OFM, proclaimed the opening of this extraordinary centenary.
This event marks the culmination of the great Franciscan Jubilee journey from 2023 to 2026, which retraced the final blessed years of St. Francis’ life:
the approval of the Bull Rule and the Christmas of Greccio (2023),
the gift of the Stigmata (2024),
the composition of the Canticle of the Creatures (2025),
and now, the commemoration of his Transitus — his passage from earthly life to eternal glory (2026).
Reflecting on the final stanza of the Canticle of the Creatures, where St. Francis praises God “for our sister bodily death,” Br. Massimo emphasized that the Saint teaches humanity to welcome death not as an enemy, but as a sister, embraced with faith, hope, and love. “Every human life is precious and finds its definitive meaning in the Mystery of Christ,” he said, calling the Transitus not a sunset, but a dawn — “the dawn of a presence that for eight centuries has continued to illuminate the path of humanity according to the heart of God.”
In continuity with the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025, the Centenary of the Transitus is presented as a powerful proclamation of life, reconciliation, peace, and hope in a world still wounded by wars, violence, and violations of human dignity.
A Special Jubilee Year of St. Francis (2026–2027)
By decree of Pope Leo XIV, a special Jubilee Year of St. Francis will be celebrated from January 10, 2026 to January 10, 2027. During this sacred year, all the Christian faithful are invited to follow the example of St. Francis of Assisi by becoming witnesses of peace, humility, holiness of life, and evangelical charity.
The Apostolic Penitentiary grants a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions to those who devoutly participate in this extraordinary Jubilee, which serves as an ideal continuation of the Ordinary Jubilee of 2025.
The Jubilee is addressed in a special way to the members of the Franciscan Family — the First, Second, Third Regular and Secular Orders — as well as to Institutes of Consecrated Life, Societies of Apostolic Life, and all those inspired by Franciscan spirituality. However, the grace of this Jubilee is extended to all the faithful who, with sincere repentance and faith, make a pilgrimage to any Franciscan church or shrine dedicated to St. Francis anywhere in the world.
The elderly, the sick, and those unable to travel may also obtain the indulgence by spiritually uniting themselves to the Jubilee celebrations and offering their prayers, sufferings, and sacrifices to God.
Conditions for Receiving the Plenary Indulgence
(for oneself or for the deceased)
*Sacramental Confession (within eight days before or after)
-Participation in the Holy Mass and Eucharistic Communion
-Pilgrimage to a Franciscan church or place dedicated to St. Francis
-Recitation of the Creed
-Recitation of the Lord’s Prayer
-Prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father*
A Call to Renew Franciscan Hope
As the Franciscan Family and the entire Church commemorate eight centuries of Franciscan memory, all the faithful are invited to take active part in this historic Jubilee. May the shining witness of St. Francis — poor, humble, and a true alter Christus — inspire a renewed commitment to charity, fraternity, peace, and care for all creation.
Following in the footsteps of the Saint of Assisi, may this Jubilee Year become for every believer a providential time of grace, conversion, and authentic evangelical witness for the glory of God and the good of the whole Church.
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