A Historic Visit to the 'Most Serene Republic'
Pope Leo XIV traveled to the Republic of San Marino on Saturday, August 22, for a half-day pastoral visit, before continuing to the Italian city of Rimini in the afternoon, as reported by both the Associated Press and Vatican News. In San Marino, he met with civil authorities at the Public Palace, thanking the Captains Regent—the two joint heads of state, a tradition dating back to 1243. The visit placed the pope in the footsteps of Pope St. John Paul II, who visited in 1982, and Pope Benedict XVI, who came in 2011.
San Marino, known as the "Most Serene Republic," has remained rooted in its motto "Libertas" (Liberty), which the pope said sums up its history and aspirations for the future. The republic, with a population of about 35,000 and completely surrounded by Italy, traces its origins to the fourth century. Its 60-member parliament elects two captains regent every six months to serve jointly as heads of state, a power-sharing arrangement designed to prevent the concentration of authority.
Freedom, Dignity, and the Danger of Idolatry
In his address to the civil authorities, Pope Leo emphasized that "there can be no true civil freedom without personal freedom—that is, without respect for and the promotion of the dignity of the human person, of which freedom is an essential component," adding that this freedom is "given and guaranteed by God," according to Vatican News. The pope said promoting liberty means defending the realm of conscience, recalling the many men and women who have given their lives in martyrdom. He pointed to St. Thomas More, patron saint of statesmen and politicians, as well as to the many people who stay true to their conscience and the freedom that comes from being children of God.
Freedom, he said, is fulfilled through "self-giving, communion, encounter, and dialogue," and flows from the Triune God. "This theological reference may perhaps seem excessive," he said, "but I believe it is necessary today in the face of the idolatry that corrupts at their roots those political and economic projects presented in the name of freedom but which, in reality, are enslaved to idols and power." The pope also recalled the founders of San Marino, St. Marinus and St. Leo, crediting them with helping create a society rooted in freedom, mutual respect and community. He said the two saints translated the Christian message into "a new community and political model, strongly characterized by the Christian principles of freedom, mutual respect and communion," a legacy that continues to shape the republic today.
A 'Laboratory of Good Politics'
Pope Leo invited San Marino to serve as a "laboratory of good politics" based on Catholic social teaching, urging "care of the human person" and protection of life from conception to natural death, as reported by the Associated Press and Vatican News. He also praised San Marino's support and hospitality to the Ukrainian people and its commitment to international humanitarian law. In his remarks, the pope called for diplomacy and multilateralism to promote understanding among nations.
A Broader Appeal in Rimini
In the afternoon, the pope addressed a major Catholic gathering in Rimini, where, according to the Associated Press, he issued one of his strongest appeals yet against war, polarization and social division, urging believers to foster dialogue and friendship in a fractured world. Speaking to tens of thousands, he warned against a culture that "rearms minds, words and nations" and argued that Christians must respond with mercy, encounter and a commitment to peace. He also delivered a message of encouragement to young Catholics, telling them they are "a sign that the future is promising, and not a threat!"