by Rita Simon
Today, we remember and celebrate the life of St. Francis of Assisi. We honor him on this special Jubilee year, which Pope Leo XIV has designated, in order for us to celebrate the 800th year of Francis’ death and transitus. I have had a close connection to St. Francis most of my life. I remember reading a biography about him when I was about 14 years old, and have read many since. Each one has touched me deeply.
Francis was raised in a privileged family, where his mother doted on him. His father assumed he would take over his business when he was of age, but Francis had other ideas. As a teenager, Francis loved to party with his friends and dreamed of taking part in the gallantry of war. In the end, however, the reality of war almost broke him. He was a totally different person when he finally made it back home.
This photo was taken by me when we were on pilgrimage to Assisi in 2014. This is the Basilica of San Francesco, where St. Francis’ body is interred. The statue in front depicts Francis’ returning from war – sick, depressed, and barely alive. It was a long physical and mental recovery for him, but seeing the deaths of young men on both sides was a horrifying experience and changed him forever. Over time, he developed a very close understanding and relationship to Jesus. For the rest of his life, Francis strived to practice and live the Peace of Christ in everything he did.
On January 7, 2026, Pope Leo XIV sent a letter to the Ministers General of the Conference of the Franciscan Family officially opening the Year of Saint Francis. In his letter, Pope Leo XIV spoke of the peace of Christ, which Francis lived and radiated.
“In this age, marked by so many seemingly interminable wars, by internal and social divisions that create mistrust and fear, he [St. Francis] continues to speak. Not because he offers technical solutions, but because his life points to the authentic source of peace.”
Pope Leo thus offers the following prayer for the Jubilee Year, praying that all of us may be peacemakers in this time of conflict and division.
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.