Before the Pope's Visit: 10 Facts About San Marino

Pope Francis will visit San Marino on August 22nd, marking his third official visit to the world's smallest republic. The tiny nation, located on the Apennine Peninsula, has deep Catholic roots and has long been a symbol of independence and resilience. This historic visit comes after previous visits by Pope John Paul II in 1982 and Pope Benedict XVI in 2011. During his stay, the pope will meet with representatives of civil authorities, celebrate the Eucharist, and engage with local believers before traveling to Rimini for the 47th Meeting of the Nations, a traditional gathering promoting international friendship. San Marino, officially known as the Republic of San Marino, was founded in 301 AD during the early persecution of Christians. It is one of the oldest and smallest republics in the world, alongside Vatican City. The country is entirely surrounded by Italy and covers just over 61 square kilometers, about four-and-a-half times smaller than Ljubljana’s district. Its population of approximately 34,000 is comparable to that of Kranj or Celje. Despite its size, San Marino played a role in the unification of Italy but chose not to join the new state. The name San Marino derives from Saint Marinus, the founder of the republic. He was a deacon in the third century who fled persecution under Emperor Diocletian. Seeking refuge, he settled on Mount Titano, where San Marino now stands, and established a monastery. His reputation grew rapidly, leading many to follow him. The mountain itself became a sacred site, and today it is the highest point within the sovereign state. Throughout its history, San Marino has remained independent despite being surrounded by Italian territory. While Italy has occupied parts of the country multiple times, especially during the 19th and 20th centuries, San Marino has never been formally annexed. From the 16th century onward, the papacy played a key role in protecting the republic. In 1631, Pope Urban VIII signed a treaty recognizing San Marino’s sovereignty and placing it under papal protection. This arrangement continued until the modern era, ensuring the country’s autonomy. San Marino is governed by two co-princes, known as the Captains Regent. Currently, these roles are held by Alice Mina and Vladimir Selva. The position is unique, as the Captains Regent are elected every six months by the Grand Council, a 60-member legislative body. Their mandate is among the shortest in the world, lasting only six months. They may not serve consecutive terms and can run again after three years. This system ensures regular turnover and prevents prolonged rule by a single individual. Two popes have previously visited San Marino, making this the third such occasion. Pope John Paul II arrived in 1982, during which he met with the communist leader of the time, Captain Regent Giuseppe Maiani. Pope Benedict XVI visited in 2011 as part of his pastoral tour of the nearby diocese of San Marino-Montefeltro. Both popes blessed relics associated with Saint Marinus in the Basilica of San Marino, reinforcing the religious significance of the visit. As Pope Francis prepares to arrive, San Marino continues to uphold its traditions while engaging with the wider world. The upcoming visit underscores the enduring ties between the Holy See and the small republic, highlighting both historical connections and contemporary diplomatic relations. The visit is expected to draw thousands of visitors, further cementing San Marino’s status as a unique and historically rich nation.