Opening of the VIII Centenary of the Transit of Saint Francis
The Jubilee Year for the 800th anniversary of Saint Francis' death opens in Assisi
About VIII Centenary of the Transit
Assisi and the 800 years since the Transit of Saint Francis
On January 10, 2026, the VIII Centenary of the Transit of Saint Francis opened in Assisi, in the province of Perugia: the Jubilee Year celebrating the eight hundredth anniversary of the Saint's death, which occurred in the autumn of 1226 at the Porziuncola, the small chapel now housed within the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. The "Transit" is the term by which Franciscan tradition refers to Francis' death, experienced not as an end but as a passage.
A solemn ceremony at the Porziuncola
The inaugural celebration took place in the most symbolic place of Franciscanism: the Porziuncola, the spiritual heart of the Order. The rite, structured around six thematic moments inspired by the Testament of Saint Francis—mercy, prayer, fraternity, work, peace, and blessing—brought together the six Franciscan families, civil and religious authorities of the area, and numerous faithful.
A Franciscan Jubilee Year
The opening on January 10 marks the beginning of a Jubilee Year that will conclude on January 10, 2027, during which the Apostolic Penitentiary grants the plenary indulgence under the usual conditions in Franciscan churches worldwide. For Assisi, the Saint's birthplace and final resting place, it is a year of particular intensity, intertwining spirituality, culture, and the welcoming of pilgrims.
VIII Centenary of the Transit — edition 2026
The opening ceremony of the VIII Centenary of the Transit of Saint Francis was held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, at the Porziuncola. The rite officially inaugurated the Franciscan Jubilee Year (January 10, 2026 - January 10, 2027) proclaimed for the eight hundredth anniversary of Saint Francis' death.
Programme VIII Centenary of the Transit 2026
Saturday, January 10, 2026 — Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, Porziuncola
- 10:00 AM — Solemn liturgical celebration of the opening of the Jubilee Year, presided over by Friar Francesco Piloni, Provincial Minister of the Friars Minor of Umbria and Sardinia
The liturgy was divided into six thematic moments inspired by the Testament of Saint Francis (mercy, prayer, fraternity, work, peace, blessing), with the participation of the Bishop of Assisi, Monsignor Domenico Sorrentino, the Mayor Valter Stoppini, the President of the Umbria Region Stefania Proietti, and representatives of the six Franciscan families. At the conclusion, the reading of the message from Pope Leo XIV.
Highlights VIII Centenary of the Transit 2026
Prices VIII Centenary of the Transit 2026
Practical information — VIII Centenary of the Transit
How to get there
The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli is located in the hamlet of the same name in Assisi (PG), on the plain, near the Assisi railway station (Foligno-Terontola line) and the exit of the highway to Perugia.
Admission
Religious celebrations are free to enter. The Jubilee Year continues until January 10, 2027, with numerous events.
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Where does it take place — VIII Centenary of the Transit
Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli - Porziuncola
Piazza della Porziuncola, 06081 Assisi