San Marino is preparing its organizational machinery for the arrival of Pope Leo XIV, expected on Saturday, August 22. Between named passes, early access points, closed parking areas and freely accessible zones, the Secretariat of State for Foreign Affairs has released guidelines for citizens and faithful who wish to take part in the pastoral visit.
Those who booked a pass via IOL (gov.sm), the Castle Boards (Giunte di Castello) or the Diocese can collect it on Tuesday, August 18 and Wednesday, August 19, from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., at the Single Accreditation Center in the meeting room of the Castle Board of Borgo Maggiore, at piazza Mercatale 21.
Particularly strict rules apply to Piazza della Libertà and Piazzale Domus Plebis, where visitors will need to present a printed, named pass along with an identity document. Those heading to Piazza della Libertà must arrive by 8:30 a.m. at Cava dei Balestrieri-via Eugippo, where they will wait until 10:30 a.m. The same 8:30 a.m. deadline applies to those heading to the Domus Plebis.
There will, however, be several spots where it will be possible to greet the Pope without needing any pass. Free access will be available at the Torraccia airstrip by 8 a.m., at piazza Filippo da Sterpeto in Domagnano and at the Portici of Borgo Maggiore by 8:15 a.m. Access will also be possible by 8:30 a.m. at Piazzale lo Stradone, viale Onofri, via Donna Felicissima and the area beneath the arcades of piazza Garibaldi. At these points, the Pontiff will slow down and make brief stops to greet citizens and the faithful.
Giant screens will also be set up at the Portici of Borgo Maggiore, in Piazzale lo Stradone, at Cava dei Balestrieri and in Piazzale Domus Plebis to follow the visit live.
On the parking front: in the historic center, most parking areas will be closed off, with the exception of parking lots 9 and 10. The P12 at Fonte dell’Ovo will also be available, connected via continuous shuttle service. Pass holders will be able to use the cable car free of charge and access parking lot 11 until spaces run out.
Additional parking options will be available at Torraccia, along the stretch from the Strada di Monte Olivo-Strada Montelupo junction toward the border, in Domagnano along Strada Campagnaccio toward the sports field, and in Borgo Maggiore at the Baldasserona and elementary school parking lots, as well as along via Giorgio Ordelaffi.
Given the high turnout expected from across the Republic toward the historic center, free shuttle services will also be organized. Details of the service will be announced in the coming days.
Throughout the duration of the event, strict security measures will be in place. Civil Protection units will be stationed at the waiting areas of Cava dei Balestrieri and Domus Plebis to distribute water, and sanitation facilities will be provided.
