On 22 August 2026, the Republic of San Marino welcomed His Holiness Pope Leo XIV for a historic pastoral visit, fifteen years after the last Pontiff visited the Republic. Undertaken under the theme “A testimony of peace that speaks to the world,” the visit brought together the Captains Regent, the institutions of the Republic, the Catholic community and citizens in an important moment of national and international significance.
Received by Their Excellencies the Captains Regent, Alice Mina and Vladimiro Selva, Pope Leo XIV held an institutional meeting at the Palazzo Pubblico with the highest authorities of the Republic. In his address, the Holy Father reflected on San Marino’s distinctive history and its enduring commitment to “Libertas”, emphasising that freedom carries with it a responsibility to safeguard human dignity, promote the common good and foster peaceful coexistence.
The visit held particular significance in 2026, which marks the centenary of diplomatic relations between San Marino and the Holy See. As Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Luca Beccari noted, the visit reaffirmed a longstanding relationship founded upon shared values and principles, including a profound commitment to peace.
Pope Leo XIV also recognised San Marino’s contribution to international dialogue, diplomacy and multilateralism, describing the Republic as capable of serving as a “laboratory of good politics” and highlighting its commitment to the care of the human person. His message placed particular emphasis on the importance of dialogue, solidarity, social justice and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, principles which continue to inform San Marino’s distinctive contribution to the international community.
The Consulate of the Republic of San Marino in the United Kingdom joins the people and institutions of San Marino in commemorating this historic visit and in celebrating the enduring friendship between San Marino and the Holy See. Pope Leo XIV’s message of peace, liberty, human dignity and dialogue provides a powerful reminder of the contribution that even the smallest states can make to a more peaceful and cooperative international community.
