Saint Francis of Assisi

16/05/2026

Pope Leo presides over the funeral Mass of Cardinal Emil Paul Tscherrig

On Friday afternoon, Pope Leo XIV presided over the funeral Mass for Cardinal Emil Paul Tscherrig at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Cardinal Tscherrig, former apostolic nuncio and the first non-Italian nuncio to Italy and San Marino, died Tuesday at the age of 79. Born in Switzerland in 1947 and ordained to the priesthood in 1974, he entered the Holy See’s diplomatic service in 1978 and served in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Argentina, and Europe.

Pope Francis created him a cardinal in 2023 at the same consistory in which Robert Prevost — now Pope Leo XIV — also received the red hat. Cardinal Tscherrig later took part in the 2025 conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV. Following his death, the pope praised Tscherrig’s “faithful service” to the Church and recalled with gratitude his devotion to the successor of Peter.

14/05/2026

Lord, help me to live this day, quietly, easily. To lean upon Thy great strength, trustfully, restfully. To wait for the unfolding of Thy will, patiently, serenely. To meet others, peacefully, joyously. To face tomorrow, confidently, courageously.

14/05/2026

Pope Leo XIV ordains ten new priests at Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday, as the Church celebrates the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

14/05/2026

Beatification Mass of Pope JohnPaul 2 by Pope Benedict XVI (2011)

12/03/2026

The Chapel Where Francis Took His Last Breath

The chapel where Saint Francis of Assisi took his last breath is the Chapel of the Transitus (Capella del Transito), located within the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Assisi, Italy.

Location: The chapel is situated inside the massive 16th-century Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, which was built around the tiny, original 9th-century Porziuncola chapel.

The "Transit": Francis died in this small room, which was once an infirmary or hut, on the evening of October 3, 1226. He called his death "Sister Death" and chose this spot to spend his final weeks, having returned to the Porziuncola after being told his end was near while at the bishop's residence.

13/01/2026

Pope Leo XIV proclaims Franciscan Jubilee Year

Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a “Special Year of St. Francis” to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death. During this time of grace, which will extend until January 2027, the faithful are granted the opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence.

On the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi in 1226, Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a special jubilee year along with plenary indulgences.

13/01/2026

Pope Leo XIV proclaims Franciscan Jubilee Year

Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a “Special Year of St. Francis” to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death. During this time of grace, which will extend until January 2027, the faithful are granted the opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence.

07/01/2026

From the Holy Gates that open to the steps of those who cross the threshold: a video summarizing the most intense moments of the Jubilee of Hope.

07/01/2026

05/01/2026

05/01/2026

St. Francis Prayer Before Receiving the Stigmata

Lord, I ask you for two graces before I die: to experience in myself, as much as possible, the sufferings of your cruel Passion, and to feel for you the same love that drove you to sacrifice yourself for us.

My Lord Jesus Christ, I beg thee to grant me two graces before my death: first, that for the rest of my life I may experience in my soul and in my body, as much as possible, the same pain that you suffered, O sweet Jesus, during the time of thy most cruel Passion; and second, that I may feel in my heart, as much as possible, the same love which inflamed thee, the Son of God, and led thee to suffer thy passion gladly for us sinners.