San Marino as a “laboratory of good politics”, capable of turning its small size into a strength and of contributing to its future relationship with the European Union. This was one of the central passages of the address delivered by Pope Leo XIV before San Marino’s institutions during his visit to Mount Titano.
The Pontiff opened his remarks by recalling San Marino’s standing as the oldest Republic in the world and its deep bond with the Holy See, in the centenary year of the formal diplomatic relations established in April 1926. Today’s visit follows in the footsteps of those made by Saint John Paul II in 1982 and Benedict XVI in 2011.
«Libertas means much more»
It was precisely from the word that symbolizes the Republic that Leo XIV developed much of his reflection. Recalling the spiritual testament attributed to Saint Marinus, «Relinquo vos liberos ab utroque homine», the Pope observed that Libertas certainly expresses a people’s aspiration to self-determination and independence from other political authorities. But not only that.
«Libertas means much more», the Pontiff stressed, linking civil liberty to personal freedom and, in turn, to respect for human dignity and conscience. He then turned his thoughts to those who, still today around the world, «pay in person for refusing to betray their own conscience».
Freedom, Leo XIV continued, «is realized in giving, in communion, in encounter and in dialogue». In the Christian vision, he explained, freedom and communion are inseparable. Within this framework, the Pope recalled the figures of Saint Marinus and Saint Leo, described as «builders of free and peaceful cities», pointing to communion — not uniformity — as the path toward building community.
An appeal for peace: diplomacy against power politics
Another significant passage was devoted to peace and the role of diplomacy. Leo XIV acknowledged San Marino’s steady commitment to peacebuilding, noting a particular affinity with the Holy See in this regard.
The Pope then pointed to diplomacy and multilateralism as the preferred paths in international relations, contrasting them with «impulsive communication», «aggressive rhetoric» and «power politics». Diplomacy, he recalled, must continue to seek dialogue even with the most difficult counterparts, drawing “to the utmost” on humility and patience to rebuild the conditions for peace.
«San Marino can be a laboratory of good politics»
Then came the passage most directly addressed to the institutions. San Marino’s small size, according to Leo XIV, can be an opportunity, since it allows politics to stay closer to citizens’ needs and thus makes possible «a more effective democracy».
«The Republic of San Marino can be a ‘laboratory’ of good politics», the Pope stated, pointing to the pursuit of the common good, the universal destination of goods, subsidiarity, solidarity and social justice as guiding principles.
This task, the Pontiff noted, takes on even greater importance on the eve of the operational start of the Association Agreement with the European Union. San Marino, Leo XIV observed, will find itself in a stable relationship with a complex reality such as Europe’s, which «can greatly benefit from your contribution».
Protecting life “from conception to natural death”
The Pope then addressed what he called “care for the human person”, describing it as the main goal of San Marino’s laboratory. A community capable of holding together traditional values and technological innovation, he explained, must translate this attention into “the protection of every life, at every stage, from conception to natural death”.
Technology, too, in this perspective, must remain a tool at the service of people, without ever replacing human freedom, judgment and responsibility.
Praise for San Marino’s spirit of welcome
Finally, Leo XIV pointed to the capacity for welcome as one of the defining traits of San Marino’s history. He recalled the support offered to the Ukrainian people, especially in the early stages of the conflict, and the Republic’s commitment to international humanitarian law, which in today’s global landscape appears «daily disregarded, if not outright trampled upon».
He therefore encouraged leaders, citizens and the ecclesial community alike to continue «the courageous and far-sighted commitment to the dignity of every human person and to the common good».
Then, from the balcony of Palazzo Pubblico, came a direct greeting to the crowd gathered in Piazza della Libertà. «I am truly happy to be here with you», said Leo XIV, wishing the people of San Marino a life always lived «in authentic freedom» and urging them to remain united in their «spirit of welcome».
