In this special Jubilee Year of Saint Francis, proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV from 10 January 2026 to 10 January 2027, the Church marks the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi, who died on 3 October 1226. As we celebrate his feast, we remember his enduring witness of peace, humility, simplicity and faithful imitation of Christ.
Francis was the son of a wealthy merchant. He was taken prisoner for about a year during one of the many wars between Italian cities.
During this time, Francis underwent a profound conversion experience. He believed he heard Jesus speaking to him through a crucifix in the ruined church of San Damiano, asking him to rebuild His Church, which was in ruins.
Taking this literally, Francis sold some expensive materials from his father’s business to repair the church. His father, furious at his actions, brought him before the Bishop. There, Francis removed all his clothes and declared that from that moment on, God was his true Father. He began living by begging and wore the simple clothes of a peasant.
Over time, Francis came to understand that Jesus was calling him not just to rebuild a physical church, but to renew the wider Church itself. Others were inspired by his example, and this marked the beginning of the Franciscan Order. St Clare was also moved by his life and started the Poor Clare Order, following in his footsteps.
Francis continued to live a life of radical simplicity and poverty. He had a deep love for nature, animals, plants, and all of God’s creation.
There is so much we can say about Francis.
Pope Francis chose his papal name in honour of him. His encyclical Laudato Si’, on caring for the Earth and the environment, is named after St Francis and opens with words written in the dialect of Assisi.
Francis calls us back to a life of simplicity, to a genuine love for the poor, and to living out the Gospel.
He remains a man for our times.