Pope Leo’s address to the authorities and civil society
on the occasion of the meeting for friendship among peoples
Public Palace of the Republic of San Marino
Saturday, 22 August 2026
Pope Leo’s address
Dear Captains Regent, Distinguished Authorities,
I am delighted to visit your country, the oldest republic in the world with a tradition dating back to the beginning of the fourth century.
I sincerely thank the Captains Regent for their invitation and warm welcome, as well as for the kind words they addressed to me on behalf of all the citizens.
My visit follows those of Saint John Paul II in 1982 and Benedict XVI in 2011.
It is intended to reaffirm the strong bond between San Marino and the Holy See.
It is an ancient link due to the long historical coexistence of our countries, yet it is also a recent link, considering that diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Serenissima Republic of San Marino were established only a century ago, in April 1926. formalized.
Throughout its long history, your Republic has made the words of its Founder, which we could call his spiritual testament, perennially relevant.
These words were recalled a short time ago: “Relinquo vos liberos ab utroque homine” (“I leave you free from both men”), the essence of which is captured in the motto “Libertas.”
One word, but of what density!
In the context of a people’s and state’s history, it certainly expresses the aspiration for self-determination and independence from other political authorities.
However, Libertas means much more than that.
I would like to discuss this with you briefly.
First, I would like to emphasize that true civil freedom requires personal freedom.
In other words, it requires respect for and promotion of the dignity of the human person, of which freedom is an essential component.
Ultimately, this freedom is given and guaranteed by God, whose voice resonates in the conscience of every human being.
Promoting freedom means defending spaces of conscience.
My thoughts turn to the countless men and women throughout history and around the world who are martyrs of freedom because they bear witness to the primacy of conscience.
Rooted in a commitment to truth, they take full responsibility for their decisions, freeing themselves from all but the bond that connects them to God.
An exemplar of this is St. Thomas More, the patron saint of rulers and politicians.
Even today, in many parts of the world, there are people who remain faithful to their conscience, even in contexts of great adversity.
They are witnesses of true freedom—that which comes from being children of God.
We express our solidarity with those who, at this moment, are paying the price for not betraying their conscience
Furthermore, freedom is realized through gifts, communion, encounters, and dialogue. Like a plant that grows and produces branches and leaves, it offers everyone oxygen, shade, scent, fruit, and new seeds.
How could it be otherwise, since it flows from Triune Love?
This theological reference may seem excessive, but I believe it is necessary today in the face of idolatry, which spoils political and economic projects that present themselves as freedom but are actually slaves to idols and power.
In the Christian vision, freedom and communion are inextricably linked.
Many saints began community life experiences in which people expressed their freedom through obedience to a Gospel-based rule.
In your case, it is particularly interesting that the founders of your community, San Marino and San Leo, are considered builders of free and peaceful cities.
Their work can be interpreted according to the biblical image of the reconstruction of Jerusalem, as described by the prophet Nehemiah.
This “positive” image, as opposed to the Tower of Babel, guides the reflection of the encyclical Magnificent Humanity.
Nehemiah’s work is animated by prayer.
It involves families and all the people.
It builds bonds before even laying the first stone.
The style is communion, not uniformity.
“It is the harmony that is born when each one assumes his or her part and the whole people recognizes that its strength comes from the Lord”.
I like to think of your founders’ work in this way, as it is reflected in the industriousness and ingenuity of this people and this land.
For you, libertas also means a commitment to actively and positively participating in the construction of peace.
In this regard, I express my deep appreciation and find particular resonance with the Holy See’s attitude.
We share a high regard for diplomacy and multilateralism as effective means of cultivating international relations and promoting understanding among nations.
“In contrast to the impulsive communications, aggressive rhetoric, and logic of power that characterize our time, diplomacy’s calling is to encourage dialogue with all parties, including those considered ‘inconvenient’ or unworthy of negotiation. Diplomacy uses humility and patience to mend the most fragile signs of goodwill among conflicting parties, initiating peace”
(Encyclical Letter n. Magnificent Humanity, 224).
Ladies and gentlemen, as was the case in the Principality of Monaco, this visit invites me to emphasize the particular value of a small state “on a human scale,” where politics is close to the needs of its citizens, resulting in a more effective democracy.
This is especially true if the state is also inspired by Christianity.
Thus, the Republic of San Marino can serve as a “laboratory” for good governance, where one can apply the principles of Catholic social doctrine without compromising the secular nature of the state.
These principles include the pursuit of the common good, the universal destination of goods, the balance of subsidiarity and solidarity, and social justice.
This commitment is especially valuable today, as the Association Agreement with the European Union is about to take effect, and your Republic will establish a stable relationship with a complex reality that will greatly benefit from your contribution.
Even deeper, the main goal of this “laboratory” is to care for the human being.
A community like yours can effectively pursue this goal.
Yours is a community that is rich in traditional values and in step with the times technologically.
This community can provide care that translates into the protection of every life at every stage, from conception to natural death.
The quality of a civilization is not measured by the power of its means, but by the care it offers and its ability to recognize others as individuals and not just functions.
Knowing how to take care of each other is an important dimension of our humanity.
Technology can support mutual care, for example, by offering tools that help foresee and organize without depriving people of their freedom and judgment. People are the subjects of relationships and responsible for decisions”
This care for others has been a defining feature of San Marino’s history since its inception.
As has been noted, this care has been evident in the tradition of hospitality, which has never wavered over the centuries with regard to those who are suffering or facing trials.
Recently, San Marino has demonstrated this quality by supporting and hosting the Ukrainian people, especially at the beginning of the conflict.
San Marino has also shown its commitment to international humanitarian law at a time when it seems to be disregarded daily, if not trampled on.
This sensitivity is also the fruit of the Christian tradition of this country and of the constant and positive collaboration between the political authorities and the Bishop in the search for the common good.
I am therefore particularly grateful to you for your commitment and witness, and I encourage all of you, governments, citizens and ecclesial communities, to continue your courageous and far-sighted commitment to the dignity of every human person and to the common good.
To each one of you, I renew the expression of my joy for this visit to the Republic of San Marino and I invoke the Lord’s blessing upon you all.