Jubilee 2026

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed this as the YEAR OF SAINT FRANCIS celebrating the eighth centenary of the happy passing of Saint Francis of Assisi from earthly life to his heavenly homeland (October 3, 1226).


The Year of Saint Francis started Saturday, January 10, 2026, coinciding with the closing of the Ordinary Jubilee, and will end Sunday, January 10, 2027.


During this year, every faithful Christian, following the example of the Saint of Assisi, is encouraged become a model of holiness and a constant witness of peace for the Church and for the world.

Read the Papal Letter

In the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Archbishop Hartmayer has designated these churches to be pilgrimage sites during the Year of St. Francis:


  • Holy Cross Catholic Church in Atlanta
  • Saint Philip Benizi Catholic Church in Jonesboro
  • Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Cartersville
  • Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Blairsville
  • Saint Anthony of Padua in Atlanta
  • Catholic Center at the University of Georgia in Athens


  • Beginning on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, February 2, to the Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord, January 10, 2027.  Even though there are not “Holy Doors” at these sites there will be “Pilgrim Doors”, so all pilgrims are invited to enter through them. People can obtain a plenary indulgence by passing through the Pilgrim Door at each church and fulfilling the other requirements.

Plan Your Pilgrimage During the Jubilee Year


Individuals, families, and small groups are invited to embark on a spiritual pilgrimage to designated sites throughout the Jubilee Year. By doing so, they may receive a plenary indulgence—the complete remission of temporal punishment due to sin—by fulfilling the usual conditions established by the Catholic Church:


Requirements to Receive a Plenary Indulgence:

  • Visit one of the designated pilgrimage sites
  • Perform an act of mercy or penance
  • Make a sacramental confession before visiting the site
  • Receive Holy Communion, either at the pilgrimage site or at your parish (before or after the visit)
  • Pray for the intentions of Pope Leo XIV at the pilgrimage site


Please Note:

  • Confessions will not be available at the pilgrimage sites, as there is only one priest assigned. All pilgrims are strongly encouraged to go to confession before making their pilgrimage.
  • Large groups should be accompanied by a priest or deacon.
  • If a group would like to arrange a private Mass (in a different language or outside the scheduled times), please contact the site in advance to make arrangements.
  • Individuals should check the times when each parish is open for pilgrims. The churches are not available at all times.
Local Site Information

The Jubilee Prayer

In this Year of Grace, Pope Leo XIV offers us a prayer that Saint Francis of Assisi may continue to instil in all of us perfect joy and harmony:


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