Honoring Saint Francis
Pope Leo XIV has declared 2026 a Jubilee year of Saint Francis, in honor of the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death. From January 10, 2026 to January 10, 2027, all Christians are invited to intentionally emulate Saint Francis’ example of holiness and his dedication to promoting peace. This is a fitting celebration to follow the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope.
In his announcement of the jubilee year, Pope Leo XIV wrote:
“This Year of Saint Francis spurs all of us, each according to our possibilities, to imitate the poor man of Assisi, to form ourselves as far as possible on the model of Christ.”
A plenary indulgence is granted under the usual conditions to those who participate in this jubilee.
To obtain the indulgence, for oneself or for a deceased person, one must:
- Make a pilgrimage to, or visit a church dedicated to Saint Francis.
- Attend Mass there and receive the Eucharist.
- Pray the Apostle’s Creed, the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be there, for the intentions of the Holy Father.
- Go to Confession eight days before or after the visit.
Learn more about this jubilee below. Stay tuned to this page throughout 2026 for opportunities to observe this jubilee.
Obtain a plenary indulgence at one of these locations:
PARISHES
St. Francis of Assisi Parish
- St. Anthony Church
1530 11th St. SE, Canton, OH 44707
- St. Benedict Church
2207 Third St. SE, Canton, OH 44707
WOMEN'S ORDERS
Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration (contemplative order)
- Sancta Clara Monastery
4200 Market Ave. N
Canton, OH 44714
Sisters of St. Francis of Tiffin, Ohio (active order)
at Saint Francis of Assisi Parish:
- 1530 11th St. SE, Canton, OH 44707
MEN'S ORDERS
Franciscan Friars, Mount Alverna Friary
- Shrine of Our Lady, Comforter of the AfflictedÂ
      517 S. Belle Vista Ave. Youngstown, OH 44509
Pope Leo's Prayer to Saint Francis
Pope Leo shared this prayer so “that Saint Francis of Assisi may continue to instill in all of us perfect joy and harmony.”​
Saint Francis, our brother,
you who eight hundred years ago went to meet Sister Death as a man at peace,
intercede for us before the Lord.
You recognized true peace in the Crucifix of San Damiano,
teach us to seek in Him the source of all reconciliation
that breaks down every wall.
You who, unarmed, crossed the lines of war
and misunderstanding,
give us the courage to build bridges
where the world raises up boundaries.
In this time afflicted by conflict and division,
intercede for us so that we may become peacemakers:
unarmed and disarming witnesses of the peace that comes from Christ.
Amen.
Add Your Heading Text Here
Learn about Saint Francis and the saints who followed in his footsteps.
Saint Francis of Assisi
Saint Francis of Assisi, the son of a rich silk merchant who embraced a life of poverty and spiritual devotion to Christ, is beloved and venerated around the world as the patron saint of animals and ecology.
The 12th-century mystic was known to preach to wild animals, seeing all of nature—animals, trees and even the elements—as a reflection of God’s divinity.
While it may not seem unusual to seek God in nature today, that is because of the enormous influence wielded by Saint Francis eight centuries ago.
Saint Clare of Assisi
Saint Clare of Assisi was a contemporary of Saint Francis and the first female follower of the Franciscans. She was inspired by Saint Francis’ commitment to poverty after hearing him preaching at the church of San Giorgio in Assisi.
From a wealthy family, the Offreduccios, Saint Clare was expected to marry politically, but she instead approached Saint Francis to seek his aid in entering the religious life. On Palm Sunday in 1212, she met Saint Francis at the chapel of Porziuncula, where she cropped her hair and exchanged her expensive clothes for a plain robe and veil, taking her first steps into monastic sisterhood.
Saint Anthony of Padua
Saint Anthony was born Fernando Martins de Bulhoes—to wealthy Portuguese family in Lisbon—on August 15, 1195, and is undoubtedly one of the most popular Franciscan saints.
Another contemporary of Saint Francis, Saint Anthony was famous for his impassioned preaching, which, combined with his sonorous voice and insight into the Gospel, left a powerful impact on all who heard him speak.
Saint Bonaventure
If Saint Anthony was the great preacher of the early Franciscans, then Saint Bonaventure was their great theologian.
Known for his extensive collection of brilliant theological writing, including The Journey of the Mind to God, The Tree of Life, The Triple Way and even The Life of Saint Francis, Saint Bonaventure was adept at blending the mysticism and simplicity of the Franciscan order with the superior academic rigor that earned him the degree of master from the University of Paris—the equivalent of a doctorate today.
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary
Revered as the patroness of Catholic Charities and the Secular Franciscan Order, Saint Elizabeth of Hungary lived a tragically brief but impactful life as the daughter of a king who chose a life of faithful service to the poor over the luxury to which she was born.
Saint Elizabeth was born on July 7, 1207. Some sources claim she was born in Hungary, while later sources identify her birthplace as Slovakia. From an early age, Saint Elizabeth was betrothed to a nobleman, Louis IV, a landgrave of Thuringia (roughly equivalent to a duke). Unlike many political marriages of that era, Saint Elizabeth and Louis appeared to love each other deeply, and they were married in 1221, the same year he was enthroned as landgrave. The couple had three children together.
Saint Pio of Pietrelcina
One of the most prolific mystics of the Franciscan order since the days of its founder, Saint Padre Pio is venerated by swaths of admirers around the world for his apparent sanctity and the numerous miracles attributed to him throughout his life.
Born Francesco Forgione on May 25, 1887, Saint Pio joined the Capuchins at the young age of 15 and took the name “Pio” in honor of Pope Pius I.