Celebrating the Jubilee Year of St. Francis
Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed the Year of Saint Francis to celebrate 800 years since the passing of St. Francis of Assisi from his earthly life into heaven.
The Year of Saint Francis began on Saturday, January 10, 2026, and will conclude on Sunday, January 10, 2027.
During this year, all faithful Christians are encouraged to become a model of holiness and constant witness of peace for the Church and the world.
Pilgrimage Churches in the Archdiocese of Atlanta
In the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., has designated the following churches to be pilgrimage sites for the Year of Saint Francis.
- Holy Cross Church, Atlanta
- St. Philip Benizi Church, Jonesboro
- St. Francis of Assisi Church, Cartersville
- St. Francis of Assisi Church, Blairsville
- St. Anthony of Padua Church, Atlanta
- Catholic Center at the University of Georgia, Athens
Before traveling to each parish, please check with each location for times that are open for pilgrims. Large groups must arrange their visits with each church in advance.
Due to limited availability, confessions are not available for pilgrims at the pilgrimage churches. Please make arrangements for confession at your parish prior to your visit.
Plenary Indulgences
For the entire jubilee year, people can obtain a plenary indulgence by passing through the Pilgrim Door at each church and fulfilling the following requirements:
- Visit the pilgrimage site
- An act of mercy or penance
- Confession prior to visiting the pilgrimage site
- Reception of holy communion at the pilgrimage site or at another local parish before or after the visit
- Prayer for intentions of Pope Leo XIV at the pilgrimage site
Find Out More
For more information on the Year of Saint Francis, please visit the Franciscan Friars website (order founded by St. Francis), read local news in The Georgia Bulletin and follow Vatican News for updates from Pope Leo XIV.
