By Fr. Marek Weresa

The special Jubilee Year of Saint Francis proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV will take place from 10 January 2026 to 10 January 2027, on the occasion of the eighth centenary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi.

In an interview with Vatican Media, Bishop Krzysztof Nykiel, Regent of the Apostolic Penitentiary, said we must not fear that the sacred time of the Jubilee will become “banal.

On this day in which the Decree of the Penitentiary announcing the plenary indulgences during this special Year was published, Bishop Nykiel speaks of mercy that surpasses the limits of human justice and stresses that indulgence is not a “dispenser of graces.”

The Apostolic Penitentiary has issued a Decree granting the plenary indulgence during the Year of Saint Francis on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of his death. What exactly are the conditions, and to whom is it addressed?

The Apostolic Penitentiary, in accordance with the will of Pope Leo XIV, has issued a Decree granting the faithful the plenary indulgence during the Year of Saint Francis, celebrated on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the death of the Saint of Assisi. The life of the Poor Man of Assisi shows that God’s mercy works in history also through people who have opened their hearts to His action.

Looking at his example, we see that God’s grace can transform even the greatest weaknesses. Precisely indulgence makes it possible to free the heart from the burden of sin, since it is the remission by God of the temporal punishment for sins that have already been forgiven in the sacrament of penance and reconciliation, so that one may carry out the due reparation in full freedom.

Therefore, the Jubilee is an opportunity for the faithful to rekindle their faith, strengthen their relationship with God and with the community of the Church.

For more information, read the article at: Vatican News