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10 things to know about San Marino ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s visit

August 17, 2026 · 1 min read

Pope Leo XIV will make a pastoral visit to the Republic of San Marino on Aug. 22, becoming only the third pontiff to visit the country after Pope Benedict XVI and St. John Paul II.

During his visit, the pope will meet with authorities, lead Eucharistic adoration, and meet the faithful gathered before traveling to the nearby city of Rimini, Italy, for the “Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples.”

Here are 10 things to know about San Marino’s ancient history and deep Catholic heritage.

1. San Marino was founded at a time of Christian persecution. San Marino is said to have been founded in A.D. 301, roughly 270 years after the death and resurrection of Christ. It was also founded at a time when early Christians in Rome still faced widespread persecution, producing martyrs such as St. Agnes, St. Pancras, and St. Lucy. The Great Persecution under Emperor Diocletian occurred soon after the country’s founding and lasted nearly a decade (A.D. 303-311).

2. San Marino is among the world’s oldest and smallest republics. The country’s founding in A.D. 301 also makes it the world’s oldest continuing republic. Like Vatican City, it is completely surrounded by Italy and is one of the…

Source: Catholic News Agency · Read the full story →

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Анна Зайцева

Interestingly, San Marino was founded in 301, just when Christians were still being persecuted. I can imagine how this Saint Marin was hiding in the mountains. But they didn’t write anything about the meeting with dad in August, will there be a service there or just adoration?

Stephen King

Yeah, the timing with the persecutions in 301 is pretty wild – right before Diocletian really cranked it up. The article says the pope's doing Eucharistic adoration with the faithful that day, but it doesn't mention a full Mass, just the meeting with authorities and then heading to Rimini for that friendship meeting. Wonder if they'll add one later.

Екатерина Соловьёва

It’s interesting that you wrote about St. Marin in the mountains - probably in those days it would have been impossible without it. The article says that the Pope will lead Eucharistic adoration and meet with the faithful, but they didn’t mention anything about a full-fledged service, maybe they’ll add it to the program later. Will you go to San Marino or Rimini for the meeting yourself?