Category: Jubilee Year

Year of St. Francis 2026-2027

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a special Jubilee Year (10 January 2026 – 10 January 2027) coinciding with the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi.

This is a photo of a stained glass portrait of St. Francis.

While noting previous jubilee celebrations related to the works of St Francis – such as the eighth centenary commemorations of the first Nativity scene,  his composition of the “Canticle of the Creatures” and his receiving of the stigmata – the decree stated that “2026 will mark the culmination and fulfillment of all previous celebrations”, emphasising its significance.

Remarking that “Our time is not very different from that in which Francis lived and precisely in the light of this his teaching is perhaps even more valid  and understandable today”, Pope Leo continues “When Christian charity languishes, ignorance  spreads like immorality, and those who exalt concord among peoples do so more out of selfishness than out of a sincere Christian spirit; when the virtual  takes over the real, disagreements and social violence are part of everyday life  and peace becomes more insecure and distant every day, this Year of St. 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”…

  • Read the decree in full here

El papa León XIV ha proclamado un Año Jubilar especial (del 10 de enero de 2026 al 10 de enero de 2027) que coincide con el 800 aniversario de la muerte de San Francisco de Asís.

Si bien se han celebrado anteriormente jubileos relacionados con las obras de San Francisco, como las conmemoraciones del octavo centenario del primer belén, su composición del «Cántico de las criaturas» y la recepción de los estigmas, el decreto afirma que «2026 marcará la culminación y el cumplimiento de todas las celebraciones anteriores», subrayando su importancia.

Tras señalar que «nuestra época no es muy diferente de aquella en la que vivió Francisco y, precisamente a la luz de esto, su enseñanza es quizás aún más válida y comprensible hoy en día», el papa León continúa: «Cuando la caridad cristiana languidece, la ignorancia se extiende como la inmoralidad, y quienes exaltan la concordia entre los pueblos lo hacen más por egoísmo que por un sincero espíritu cristiano; cuando lo virtual se impone sobre lo real, los desacuerdos y la violencia social forman parte de la vida cotidiana y la paz se vuelve cada día más insegura y lejana, este Año de San Francisco nos impulsa a todos, cada uno según sus posibilidades, a imitar al pobre de Asís, a formarnos en la medida de lo posible según el modelo de Cristo»…

  • Lea el decreto completo aquí

Pope: God Will Ask Us if We Have Cared for Our Common Home

Posted on by Diane Smyth
Pope Leo addressed participants in an international conference on climate justice and reflects on Pope Francis’ landmark ecological encyclical Laudato Si, noting that when the time comes, God will ask us if we cared for our common home.

By Francesca Merlo. Source: Vatican News

On Wednesday afternoon, marking the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’, Pope Leo XIV addressed participants in the
Raising Hope Conference, organised by the Laudato Si’ Movement.

In his address, the Pope expressed gratitude for the legacy of Pope Francis’ encyclical, noting how its message has inspired schools, dioceses, academic programmes, and international dialogue.

“Its impact,” he said, “has extended to summits, interreligious initiatives, economic and business circles, as well as theological and bioethical studies.” Above all, he noted that the phrase “care for our common home” has become a standard phrase, used in academic work and public discourse across peoples and continents.

A conversion of heart

While recalling the achievements of the past decade, Pope Leo emphasised that the challenges identified in Laudato Si’ are “even more relevant today than they were ten years ago.” These challenges, he said, are not only political and social, but also spiritual, calling for what Pope Francis described as a “conversion of heart.”

The Pope explained that the heart “is where the deepest searching takes place, where one’s ultimate identity is found, and where decisions are forged. It is only by returning to the heart that a true ecological conversion can take place.” This transformation, he continued, means shifting “from collecting data to caring; from environmental discourse to lifestyles inspired by faith and love of God.”

All are one

Quoting Pope Francis’ description of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Holy Father reminded participants that ecological concern, justice for the poor, social commitment, and inner peace are inseparable.

Looking ahead to upcoming global summits, including COP30 and the UN’s 2026 Water Conference, the Pope urged leaders to heed the cries of “the Earth and the poor, families, indigenous peoples, involuntary migrants and believers throughout the world.”

What will be our answer?

Concluding his address, Pope Leo asked the question: “God will ask us if we have cultivated and cared for the world that He created, and if we have taken care of our brothers and sisters. What will be our answer?”

Watch highlights from the Raising Hope Conference (1:18)

Watch Pope Leo’s Address at the opening of the Raising Hope Conference, held at Mariapolis Center in Castel Gandolfo (1:30:04)

Pope Leo speaks at 52:00.

Thumbnail from highlights video

Join the Jubilee movement: Turn Debt into Hope

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Jubilee 2025 is a global ecumenical initiative that builds on the transformative success of Jubilee 2000, which canceled $100 billion of debt for 36 low-income countries.

Debt cancelation is not just an economic solution; it’s a moral imperative rooted in the theological principle of justice for all. By addressing the root causes of debt and advocating for systemic reform, we can create a more equitable world where the welfare of people and the planet are prioritized.

Be Part of the Change

Sign the Jubilee 2025 Petition! Thegoal is to collect 100 thousand signatures in Canada and 10 million worldwide by the end of 2025. Every signature strengthens the call for transformative change!

In Canada, KAIROS Canada is leading the campaign in collaboration with Citizens for Public Justice, Development and Peace – Caritas Canada, and the Office of Religious Congregations for Integral Ecology.  

Jubileo 2025 es una iniciativa ecuménica mundial que se basa en el éxito transformador de Jubileo 2000, que condonó 100.000 millones de dólares de deuda a 36 países de renta baja.

La cancelación de la deuda no es sólo una solución económica; es un imperativo moral enraizado en el principio teológico de justicia para todos. Abordando las causas profundas de la deuda y abogando por una reforma sistémica, podemos crear un mundo más equitativo en el que se dé prioridad al bienestar de las personas y del planeta.

Participa en el cambio

Firma la petición Jubileo 2025. El objetivo es recoger 100.000 firmas en Canadá y 10 millones en todo el mundo para finales de 2025. Cada firma refuerza la petición de un cambio transformador.

En Canadá, KAIROS Canadá lidera la campaña en colaboración con Ciudadanos por la Justicia Pública, el Desarrollo y la Paz – Caritas Canadá, y la Oficina de Congregaciones Religiosas para la Ecología Integral.

Jubilee Year of Hope

Posted on by Diane Smyth

Throughout this Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope, you will have quick access to articles on our website about the Jubilee from this page

February 18
Jubilee 2025- Pilgrims of Hope (video)
https://www.sistersofmercynf.org/jubilee-2025-pilgrims-of-hope

February 8
Join the Jubilee movement: Turn Debt into Hope
https://www.sistersofmercynf.org/join-the-jubilee-movement-turn-debt-into-hope/

January 2
Jubilee Year Calendar of Major Events in Rome:
https://www.sistersofmercynf.org/jubilee-year-calendar-of-major-events/

December 31
World Day of Peace, January 1, 2025:
https://www.sistersofmercynf.org/world-day-of-peace-january-i/

December 25, 2024
Opening of the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve:

https://www.sistersofmercynf.org/opening-of-the-holy-door/

December 21, 2024
Year of Jubilee: Pilgrims of Hope:

https://www.sistersofmercynf.org/year-of-jubilee-pilgrims-of-hope/

November 29, 2024
The Holy Year, Year of Jubilee 2025:

https://www.sistersofmercynf.org/the-holy-year-year-of-jubilee-2025/

January 23, 2023
Pope Francis Announces Year of Prayer ahead of 2025 Jubilee:
https://www.sistersofmercynf.org/pope-francis-announces-year-of-prayer-ahead-of-2025-jubilee/

World Day of Peace – January I

Posted on by Diane Smyth

World Day of Peace is an annual celebration by the Catholic Church, held on January 1, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. It was established by Pope Paul V1 in 1967 and succeeding popes have highlighted this day as a time for the Church and the world to pray for universal peace.

In this special Jubilee year Pope Francis calls us to pray and work for peace for our world which is ravaged by so much war and violence.

In his message for World Day of Peace “Forgive us our trespasses: grant us your peace“, Pope Francis calls for wealthy countries to cancel the debt of poorer countries and develop a just international financial system, for the death penalty to be abolished everywhere and for, “at least, a fixed percentage” of armament budgets to be devoted to ending hunger and providing education for a sustainable future.

  • Read his message for this World Day of Peace here
  • Join with us in praying for peace. Post your prayer here

Watch the video “True peace can be born only from a heart ‘disarmed’ of anxiety and fear”

La Jornada Mundial de la Paz es una celebración anual de la Iglesia Católica que tiene lugar el 1 de enero, Solemnidad de María, Madre de Dios. Fue instaurada por el Papa Pablo V1 en 1967 y los papas sucesivos han destacado este día como un momento para que la Iglesia y el mundo oren por la paz universal.

En este año especial del Jubileo, el Papa Francisco nos llama a rezar y trabajar por la paz de nuestro mundo, asolado por tantas guerras y violencia.

En su mensaje para la Jornada Mundial de la Paz «Perdona nuestras ofensas: concédenos tu paz», el Papa Francisco pide que los países ricos condonen la deuda de los países más pobres y desarrollen un sistema financiero internacional justo, que la pena de muerte sea abolida en todas partes y que, «al menos, un porcentaje fijo» de los presupuestos de armamento se dedique a acabar con el hambre y a proporcionar educación para un futuro sostenible.

  • Lea aquí su mensaje para esta Jornada Mundial de la Paz
  • Únete a nosotros en la oración por la paz. Publica tu oración aquí

Vea el vídeo «La verdadera paz sólo puede nacer de un corazón “desarmado” de ansiedad y miedo»

Opening of the Holy Door

Posted on by Diane Smyth

On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica  marking the beginning of the Jubilee Year of Hope. The door will remain open for the entire year to allow pilgrims to pass through.

“During the Holy Year,” the Pope has prayed, “may the light of Christian hope illumine every man and woman, as a message of God’s love addressed to all! And may the Church bear faithful witness to this message in every part of the world!”

A Jubilee Year is an a historic event taking place every 25 years.

  • More about the Jubilee Year of Hope can be found on our website here
  • More about the significance of the Holy Door can be read here

En Nochebuena, el Papa Francisco abrió la Puerta Santa de la Basílica de San Pedro marcando el inicio del Año Jubilar de la Esperanza. La puerta permanecerá abierta durante todo el año para permitir el paso de los peregrinos.

«¡Que durante el Año Santo -ha rezado el Papa- la luz de la esperanza cristiana ilumine a cada hombre y a cada mujer, como mensaje del amor de Dios dirigido a todos! Y que la Iglesia dé fiel testimonio de este mensaje en todas las partes del mundo!».

Un Año Jubilar es un acontecimiento histórico que tiene lugar cada 25 años.

  • Encontrará más información sobre el Año Jubilar de la Esperanza en nuestro sitio web aquí
  • Más información sobre el significado de la Puerta Santa aquí

Year of Jubilee: Pilgrims of Hope

Posted on by Diane Smyth

The Year of Jubilee begins on December 24, 2024 and ends on December 28, 2025. On December 24 Pope Francis will preside at Mass in St. Peter’s Square, after which he will open the first holy door, St. Peter’s Basilica.

The theme for this special year Is Pilgrims of Hope.

The Jubilee logo features four figures embracing in solidarity. The figure at the head is holding onto the cross. The logo includes rough waves to symbolize some of the challenges of life’s pilgrimage. The lower part of the cross is elongated and shaped like an anchor to represent hope.

This video is to help us to understand what we are called to be as Pilgrims of Hope.

  • To access a short video where Pope Francis speaks of the theme of the Jubilee year, click here
  • To access the Papal Bull (decree), Hope Does Not Disappoint, by which Pope Francis announced the Year of Jubilee, click here 

“Each of us may be able to offer a smile, a small gesture of friendship, a kind look, a ready ear, a good deed, in the knowledge that, in the Spirit of Jesus, these can become, for those who receive them, rich seeds of hope. ”
(Pope Francis, Hope Does Not disappoint, #18)

El Año Jubilar comienza el 24 de diciembre de 2024 y termina el 28 de diciembre de 2025. El 24 de diciembre el Papa Francisco presidirá la Misa en la Plaza de San Pedro, tras la cual abrirá la primera puerta santa, la Basílica de San Pedro.

El logotipo del Jubileo muestra cuatro figuras que se abrazan solidariamente. La figura de la cabeza se aferra a la cruz. El logotipo incluye olas agitadas para simbolizar algunos de los retos de la peregrinación de la vida. La parte inferior de la cruz es alargada y tiene forma de ancla para representar la esperanza.

Este vídeo pretende ayudarnos a comprender lo que estamos llamados a ser como Peregrinos de la Esperanza.

  • Para acceder a este breve vídeo en el que el Papa Francisco habla del tema del año jubilar, haga clic aquí
  • Para acceder a la Bula Papal (decreto), La esperanza no defrauda, con la que el Papa Francisco anunció el Año Jubilar, haga clic aquí

«Cada uno de nosotros puede ser capaz de ofrecer una sonrisa, un pequeño gesto de amistad, una mirada amable, un oído presto, una buena acción, sabiendo que, en el Espíritu de Jesús, pueden convertirse, para quien los recibe, en ricas semillas de esperanza. «
(Papa Francisco, La esperanza no defrauda, #18)

 

The Holy Year, Year of Jubilee 2025

Posted on by Diane Smyth

The Holy Year, Year of Jubilee opens officially on December 24, 2024 with a Mass presided over by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square. The rite of the Opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica follows the Mass.

The theme of this special year is Pilgrims of Hope. This is a year of pilgrimage and thousands are expected to visit Rome during the year.

On December 26 Pope Francis will open a Holy Door at Rome’s Rebebbia Prison. He has chosen to do this as a sign of hope and a renewed sense of confidence for prisoners around the world.

Over the next couple of weeks three other Holy Doors will be opened – those of the other three major papal basilicas – St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major and St. Paul’s Outside the Walls. This ceremonious opening of doors symbolizes the spiritual journey from sin to grace.

Most of the religious events of the year of Jubilee will take place at St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican and St. Peter’s Square. Other activities such as concerts, exhibitions and cultural performances will take place at different venues in Rome and the surrounding area. Dioceses around the world will be holding events to celebrate this special year.

Attached here is a bulletin insert from Archbishop Hundt about the Archdiocesan activities for the opening of the Jubilee year.

 

El Año Santo, Año Jubilar, se abre oficialmente el 24 de diciembre de 2024 con una Misa presidida por el Papa Francisco en la Plaza de San Pedro. El rito de la Apertura de la Puerta Santa de la Basílica de San Pedro sigue a la Misa.

El tema de este año especial es Peregrinos de esperanza. Este es un año de peregrinación y se espera que miles de personas visiten Roma durante el año.

El 26 de diciembre, el Papa Francisco abrirá una Puerta Santa en la cárcel Rebebbia de Roma. Ha decidido hacerlo como un signo de esperanza y un renovado sentido de confianza para los presos de todo el mundo.

En las próximas dos semanas se abrirán otras tres Puertas Santas, las de las otras tres basílicas papales principales: San Juan de Letrán, Santa María la Mayor y San Pablo Extramuros. Esta ceremoniosa apertura de puertas simboliza el viaje espiritual del pecado a la gracia.

La mayoría de los actos religiosos del año jubilar tendrán lugar en la basílica de San Pedro, el Vaticano y la plaza de San Pedro. Otras actividades, como conciertos, exposiciones y espectáculos culturales, tendrán lugar en distintos lugares de Roma y sus alrededores. Las diócesis de todo el mundo organizarán actos para celebrar este año tan especial.