The Pope presents this time as a gift for the entire Church, not just for the Franciscan Family, so that the 800th anniversary may become an occasion for authentic spiritual renewal. The decree mentions how St. Francis remains extraordinarily relevant even in our own era and invites everyone to “become saints in the contemporary world, following the example of the Seraphic Patriarch,” turning hope into real charity and a real commitment to peace.

The plenary indulgence is granted under the usual conditions: sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion, and prayer according to the intentions of the Holy Father, with a heart detached from sin. It may also be applied in suffrage for the souls in Purgatory.

It may be obtained by members of the Franciscan Family, ecclesial communities inspired by the charism of St. Francis, and all the faithful. During the Year of St. Francis, they need only make a pilgrimage to a Franciscan church or a place of worship dedicated to St. Francis, take part in the Jubilee rites or pause in prayer and meditation, and conclude with the Our Father, the Creed, and invocations to the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Francis, St. Clare, and the Saints of the Franciscan Family.

Special consideration is given to the elderly, the sick, and those who are unable to leave their homes. They may gain the indulgence by spiritually joining in the celebrations and offering their sufferings and prayers to God. The Apostolic Penitentiary also invites priests to make themselves widely available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, so that this time may truly be a time of mercy.

Thus, this Year of St. Francis presents itself as a time of favor, a grace offered to all, so that—as the Pope hopes—“feelings of Christian charity toward one’s neighbor and authentic desire for harmony and peace among peoples may be reborn in hearts.”

~ Source: OFMConv.net