National Franciscan Families around the world have received a proposal to celebrate “World Week of the Poor” from the 9th-15th November 2026, within the framework of the 800th anniversary of the Death of St. Francis of Assisi and coinciding with the World Day of the Poor.
The initiative, signed by the Ministers General of the different Franciscan branches and leaders of the Franciscan Family, seeks to “place the poor and all forms of poverty at the centre of our attention.”
The proposal is inspired by the “Mission to the Poor” that will take place in Rome during those same dates. According to the letter, the objective is to follow in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi, who “gave his clothes to the neediest” and spent time “among the poor with joy in spirit.”
A Mission Focused on Listening to the Poor
The document emphasises that the proposal is not simply about organising activities, but about reaching out to the various forms of poverty, both visible and hidden.
Among the six essential points of the initiative, the Franciscan Families especially highlight listening to the poor, urging people “not to speak ‘about’ the poor, but to put the poor themselves at the centre.”
The letter also proposes training sessions on topics related to Saint Francis and poverty, as well as spaces for dialogue with institutions, meetings in schools, and awareness-raising activities aimed at younger generations.
Prayer, Collaboration, and Social Commitment
Another central aspect of the proposal is the mission’s spiritual dimension. The text states that prayer must be “the heart of the mission,” including daily moments of prayer and presence in marginalised communities.
Furthermore, the initiative proposes collaborative work among religious, the Franciscan laity, and people “of good will,” and promotes collaboration with other ecclesial and civil organisations.
The week will conclude on the 15th November, 2026, the World Day of the Poor, with a “public prophetic gesture” arising from the experience of those days.
Invitation to Franciscan Families Worldwide
In the final part of the letter, the signatories affirm that this proposal represents “an act of fidelity to the Gospel, to the charism of St Francis,” and recall an exhortation by Pope Leo XIII on the centrality of the poor in the life of the Church.
Furthermore, national Franciscan Families participating in the initiative are invited to report on their activities so that a global overview can be presented to Pope Leo XIII.
If you wish to read the full letter: Spanish version
