Pope Leo XIV in a Decree Proclaims Special Franciscan Jubilee Year to Honor St. Francis 1. The 800th anniversary of the passing of St. Francis of Assisi has officially begun with a solemn ceremony at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Porziuncola. This event marks the final leg of a multi-year "Franciscan Jubilee Journey," commemorating the saint’s spiritual legacy and his "Transitus" (passing) from earthly life in 1226.