Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a Franciscan Jubilee Year to mark
800 years since the death ofSt Francis Assisi on 3 October 1226.
Running through to January 2027, Pope Leo hopes ‘the message of peace
may find a profound echo in the Church and society today’.
During this ‘Year of St Francis’ the faithful may obtain a
plenary indulgence under the usual conditions of:
Sacramental confession
Eucharistic Communion
Praying for the intentions of the Pope
Having an interior detachment from sin
Along with certain works, such as:
A pilgrimage to a Franciscan church
Participation in Jubilee celebrations
Prayer and meditation in the Franciscan spirit
as well as daily acts of charity and humility that express
the spirituality of Saint Francis.
Having an interior detachment from sin does not mean a state of sinlessness,
rather it is the intention and the orientation of the heart to break with sin here and now.
A person may have weaknesses, recurring venial sins, and may even experience painful falls,
yet if they say to God: “I do not want sin, I hate it, even though I know I am weak,”
then there is no attachment to sin in that person.
Indulgence is an encounter with God, and not a spiritual shortcut.
We can accept the gratuitous gift of God’s mercy and allow it to become an
instrument that deepens our faith. This is the purpose of a Jubilee Year.