The Prayer of Pope Leo

For the Special Jubilee Year of Saint Francis

Saint Francis, our brother, you who eight hundred years ago
went to meet Sister Death as a man at peace,
intercede for us with the Lord.

In the Cross of San Damiano you recognised true peace.
Teach us to seek in Christ 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 erects borders,

In this time plagued by conflict and division,
intercede so that we may become peacemakers:
unarmed and disarming witnesses of the peace that comes from Christ. Amen.

A Prayer to Live Francis's Gospel Vision

Lord Jesus Christ, who called Francis to follow in your footsteps, giving him a heart capable of mercy and eyes to see your face in the poor and in the Crucified One, open our hearts to your Word. Send your Holy Spirit so that we can understand the precious legacy that Francis left us and we too can live according to the form of the holy Gospel. Amen.

A Prayer for the Franciscan Family

Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for the seed of eternal life that you planted in Francis. Thank you because that seed continues to germinate, from generation to generation. May it also bear fruit in each of us: mercy towards the poor, love for You crucified, fidelity to the Church, love for the Eucharist, fraternity without power, the witness of peace.

Help us to live “according to the form of the Holy Gospel” wherever we are and whatever we do. May the Spirit make us passionate Christians, citizens of these times, capable of facing real problems and seeking a more just and fraternal world. And remind us that we are pilgrims of hope, on our way to the Eternal City, where God, your and our Father, will be all in all. Amen.