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Not many countries have played host to several popes over the years. Fewer nations still can say they were founded by a saint. And only one such country can boast of all that, with a population of only 35,000 people.
But that’s San Marino — a tiny nation, with an unusually significant role in the history of the Church.
And on Saturday, Pope Leo will head to the micronation, one of the oldest sovereign states in the world, which has not received a pope since 2011, when Pope Benedict XVI made a similar pastoral visit.
San Marino enjoys a privileged relationship with the Holy See, fully surrounded by the Papal States for centuries, and having been under papal protection for much of its history, but preserving its independence all the while.
But why is the pope traveling to San Marino? Why is San Marino even a country?
The Pillar explains.
An aerial view of San Marino. Credit: trabantos / Shutterstock.What is the pope doing in San Marino?
The pope will meet with the country’s authorities, including the Captains Regent – the country’s “co-presidents” – and will then greet those present and impart his
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