As a devoted Catholic and as Consul of the Republic of San Marino in the United Kingdom, I welcome with profound joy the visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to San Marino on 22 August 2026. This is not simply a historic diplomatic event; it is the meeting of two of Europe’s oldest institutions, united by a shared commitment to faith, liberty, human dignity, and the common good.
San Marino, founded in 301 AD by Saint Marinus, is the world’s oldest surviving constitutional republic. Unlike many nations born through conquest or revolution, our Republic traces its origins to a Christian saint who sought refuge from persecution and established a community founded on freedom. His enduring legacy, encapsulated in the Republic’s cherished motto, Libertas, has guided San Marino for more than seventeen centuries.
What makes the relationship between San Marino and the Holy See so remarkable is its unique balance between political independence and profound spiritual communion. From its earliest days, the Republic maintained its autonomy from both imperial and papal temporal authority while remaining deeply rooted in the Catholic faith. This has never been a contradiction. Rather, it has demonstrated that political liberty and Christian values can flourish together, creating one of Europe’s most enduring examples of constitutional continuity inspired by faith.
Papal visits to San Marino have always carried exceptional significance. Pope Benedict XVI’s visit in 2011, following that of Saint John Paul II in 1982, reaffirmed the deep friendship between the Holy See and the Republic. Pope Leo XIV now continues that tradition, strengthening a relationship that has shaped San Marino’s identity throughout its long history.
This visit also comes at a moment when the Holy Father’s message strongly reflects the values that have sustained our Republic for centuries. Pope Leo XIV has consistently placed human dignity, truth, and the responsible use of freedom at the centre of his pontificate. These principles echo San Marino’s own history, where liberty has never been understood as licence, but as a moral responsibility exercised in service of the common good.
Throughout its history, San Marino has demonstrated that moral authority is not measured by territory or military power. Our Republic has preserved democratic institutions for centuries, maintained the unique tradition of the Captains Regent since 1243, and, during the Second World War, offered refuge to thousands seeking safety despite its own small size. As Abraham Lincoln once recognised, San Marino’s influence has always been moral rather than material.
The meeting between Pope Leo XIV and the Republic of San Marino therefore carries a message that reaches far beyond our borders. At a time when conflict and division dominate international affairs, it reminds us that lasting peace is built upon respect for human dignity, solidarity, and freedom rooted in truth. It also affirms that even the smallest nations can offer enduring lessons to the world through fidelity to their principles.
As Consul of San Marino in the United Kingdom, and as a proud Catholic, I warmly welcome His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to the Ancient Land of Liberty. I am confident that this historic visit will further strengthen the longstanding friendship between the Holy See and the Republic of San Marino, while inspiring future generations to uphold the timeless values of faith, liberty, fraternity, and peace that have united our two institutions for centuries.