The pontiff will visit one of the world’s smallest countries on Aug. 22. Here’s what to know about San Marino’s deep Catholic roots.
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
