On this day dedicated in many places to <a href="https://aleteia.org/2025/08/01/this-legendary-chapel-was-named-for-its-angelic-voices/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="Our Lady of the Angels">Our Lady of the Angels</a>, Pope Leo recalled a devotion that marks 810 years this year -- the "Pardon of Assisi."
As Aleteia explains here, on August 2 of each year, the “Pardon of Assisi” is celebrated in Assisi in the Church of St. Mary of the Angels. This church is also known as the Portiuncula, which means, “little portion of land.”
Saint Mary of the Angels is conceivably the most important Franciscan sanctuary in Assisi for the memories of Francis that it contains. He was so fond of the little church that he once said to the brothers, “If anyone should evict you from one door, return through another one.”
According to the traditional account, in July, 1216, St. Francis was praying in the Portiuncula, when he had a vision of Jesus and the Virgin Mary surrounded by a host of angels.
Mary asked him what grace he desired, to which Francis replied that he desired the complete forgiveness of all sins for everyone who came to his beloved little church. Mary replied that he should go to the pope, inasmuch as he was the Vicar of Christ, to request such an indulgence.
A treasure, and an anniversary
Pope Leo noted how St. Francis then went to visit Pope Honorius III. After praying the midday Angelus today, he said:
In these days the “Pardon of Assisi” is celebrated. Saint Francis obtained this Indulgence from Pope Honorius III in 1216, having been inspired — while praying at the Porziuncola — by a vision of Jesus and Mary surrounded by angels. Let us thank the Lord for this great gift and treasure it, especially in this eighth centenary year of the Transitus of the Poor Man of Assisi, who died at the Porziuncola on 3 October 1226.
The indulgence was initially limited to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Assisi for August 2. However, over time, the indulgence was extended to all Franciscan churches around the world on that day. Today, the indulgence is available in Assisi any day of the year.
During this anniversary year of St. Francis' death, there is also an indulgence available on any day of the year. Find out more here.
