Pope Leo XIV visits San Marino, warns against political idolatry

Pope Leo XIV made a pastoral visit to San Marino on Saturday, marking the centenary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the world's oldest republic. Arriving by helicopter, he was received by the Captains Regent, Alice Mina and Vladimiro Selva, before addressing authorities in the Public Palace. The visit is the first by a pope since Benedict XVI in 2011 Source: euronewses.

Key messages

In his speech, the Pope warned against "idolatry" that corrupts political and economic projects presented under the banner of freedom but which are "slaves of the idols and of power" Source: infobae. He called San Marino a "laboratory of good politics" where, without renouncing state secularism, Catholic social doctrine can be applied Source: euronewses. He also stressed that "there is no true civil freedom without personal freedom" and defended diplomacy and multilateralism against "logics of power" that trample international humanitarian law Source: infobae.

Context

The visit underscores San Marino's historical neutrality and Christian roots, as well as its role as a peace agent amid global conflicts Source: elmundoes. The Pope also praised the country's hospitality towards Ukrainian refugees Source: infobae. Later, he traveled to Rimini for the Meeting for Friendship among Peoples Source: euronewses.