Pope Leo Visits San Marino and Calls It a Laboratory of Good Politics

Pope Leo XIV made a half-day pastoral visit to the Republic of San Marino on Saturday, praising the tiny state as “the oldest republic in the world” and urging its leaders to build politics on respect for human dignity, Vatican News and EWTN News reported. Vatican News reported that the visit was followed by a stop in Rimini, Italy, where the Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples takes place.

The trip marked the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between San Marino and the Holy See, which were formalized in April 1926, EWTN reported. Vatican News noted earlier papal visits by St. John Paul II in 1982 and Benedict XVI in 2011.

EWTN said the pope left Rome by helicopter around 8 a.m. and landed at the Torraccia airfield about 45 minutes later. He was greeted by the two Captains Regent, Alice Mina and Vladimiro Selva, who serve as joint heads of state, along with the apostolic nuncio, Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra, and Bishop Domenico Beneventi of San Marino-Montefeltro. After military honors he held a private meeting with the Captains Regent at the Public Palace and then met local authorities and representatives of civil society. He also sent a telegram to Italian President Sergio Mattarella, wishing Italy “spiritual, civil, and social progress,” EWTN reported.

In his address Leo linked San Marino’s motto, “Libertas,” to its history and future. Vatican News reported that he said there can be no true civil freedom without personal freedom and respect for human dignity, and that freedom is fulfilled through “self-giving, communion, encounter, and dialogue.” EWTN quoted him saying there is “no true civil freedom without personal freedom.” He spoke of those who gave their lives defending liberty and the realm of conscience and cited St. Thomas More, patron of rulers and politicians, as a model for leaders who remain faithful to conscience.

He warned against political and economic projects that serve “idolatry” and power, Vatican News said, and invited San Marino to be a “laboratory of good politics” grounded in Catholic social teaching. Both outlets reported that he pointed to the country’s care for human life from conception to natural death. He also credited its Christian tradition and the cooperation between political authorities and the bishop for the common good, according to EWTN.

The pope praised San Marino’s hospitality, including its support for Ukrainian people, and its commitment to international humanitarian law, Vatican News reported. He called for active participation in building peace, with diplomacy and multilateralism, the same outlet said.