Illustration; A painting of Saint Francis by Philip Fruytiers
Pope Leo’s letter to the Franciscan Family
on the eighth centenary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi
Pope Leo’s letter
“Our sister death,” exclaimed St. Francis on October 3, 1226 at the Portiuncula, as he went to meet her, finally at peace. Eight centuries have passed since the death of the Poverello of Assisi who inscribed Christ’s words of salvation in the hearts of his contemporaries.
As we commemorate the significant anniversary of the eighth centenary of his death, I would like to join the entire Franciscan family, as well as all those who will participate in the commemorative events, in spirit. I hope that the message of peace will resonate deeply within the Church and society today.
At the beginning of his evangelical life, he heard a calling: “The Lord revealed to me that we should offer this greeting: ‘May the Lord give you peace'”
Through these words, he shared with his friars and every believer the inner peace that the Gospel had brought into his life.
Peace is the greatest gift from God.
It is a gift that comes down from on high.
It would be an illusion to think that it can be built with human strength alone!
Yet, it is an active gift to be welcomed and lived out daily.
It is the same greeting that the risen Lord gave to his frightened disciples, shut up in the Upper Room, on Easter evening: “Peace be with you”
It is not just a polite formula, but rather the certain announcement of Christ’s victory over death.
Like the voice of the angels on Christmas night – “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those whom he loves”– it is the peace that the Seraphic Father proclaims is the same pea;ce that Christ himself made resound between heaven and earth.
In an era marked by seemingly endless wars and inner and social divisions that breed distrust and fear, he continues to speak.
He does so, not because he offers technical solutions, but because his life points to the authentic source of peace.
The Franciscan vision of peace extends beyond relationships between human beings and embraces the entire creation.
St. Francis, who called the sun “brother” and the moon “sister” and recognized divine beauty in every creature, reminds us that peace must extend to the entire family of creation.
This idea is especially relevant today, as our shared home is threatened and suffers from exploitation.
Peace with God, peace among humans, and peace with creation are inseparable dimensions of a single call to universal reconciliation.
Dear brothers,
May the example and spiritual heritage of this saint – strong in faith, firm in hope and ardent in active charity towards his neighbor – awaken in everyone the importance of trusting in the Lord, of spending oneself in a life faithful to the Gospel and of accepting and enlightening every circumstance and action of life with faith and prayer.
In this Year of Grace, I offer you a prayer that Saint Francis of Assisi will continue to instil of us all perfect joy and harmony:
St. Francis, our brother, you who eight hundred years ago went to meet sister death like a pacified man,
intercede for us with 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, have crossed the lines of war and misunderstanding,
give us the courage to build bridges where the world erects borders,
In this time afflicted by conflicts and divisions,
intercede so that we may become peacemakers:
unarmed and disarming witnesses of the peace that comes from Christ. Amen
I express my fervent good wishes to all of you who follow the charism of the Poverello of Assisi,
as well as to all those who will commemorate the anniversary of his death in various ways.
I cordially impart my desired Apostolic Blessing to you all.
From the Vatican, 7 January 2026
LEO PP. XIV
