Pope Leo XIV declares Jubilee Year for St. Francis of Assisi

Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed 2026 as a special Jubilee Year to honor the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. The Jubilee period runs from January 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027.

During this year, the Pope has granted the possibility of obtaining a plenary indulgence for the faithful. This can be achieved through pilgrimages to Franciscan churches or places of worship dedicated to St. Francis, or through spiritual participation for those unable to leave their homes. Requirements for the indulgence include sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, and prayer according to the intentions of the Holy Father.

In Loja, Ecuador, the Franciscan community is organizing a peace procession through the city's main streets on October 3 to commemorate the saint's passing. The local festivities include a novena starting September 24, involving various lay groups and the San Francisco de Asís educational unit.