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The Order of Franciscan Friars Minors has announced that 2026 will be a Franciscan Jubilee Year, with a Plenary Indulgence linked to the Jubilee. Francis of Assisi was born in Italy in 1181 or 1182. After a carefree youth, he converted and the Order of Friars Minor - commonly known as the Franciscans - began. A young woman, Clare of Assisi, wanted to share St Francis' choice of life, with the Order of the Poor Clares originating from her.

Francis received the stigmata on the mountain of La Verna in 1224. The following year he composed the Canticle of Brother Sun, a poetic prayer of praise to God the creator of everything; this prayer and his attitude of respect for creation inspired his proclamation in 1979 as the patron saint of ecologists.

Francis died on 4 October 1226 in Assisi and was declared a saint in 1228. In a letter to the Franciscans, Pope Leo writes: "In this age, marked by so many seemingly interminable wars, by internal and social divisions that create mistrust and fear, [St Francis] continues to speak. Not because he offers technical solutions, but because his life points to the authentic source of peace.

"The Franciscan vision of peace is not limited to the relations between human beings, but also embraces the whole of creation. Francis, who calls the sun “brother” and the moon “sister”, who recognises in every creature a reflection of divine beauty, reminds us that peace must be extended to the entire family of Creation. This insight resonates with particular urgency in our time, when our common home is threatened and cries out under exploitation. Peace with God, peace among human beings and with creation are inseparable dimensions of a single call to universal reconciliation."

St Francis' mortal remains will be displayed in Assisi, in the Lower Church of the Basilica of Saint Francis from 22 February to 22 March. Click here to find out more.

Image: St John the Baptist Church, Kemptown, Brighton.‍