Rimini, August 22, 2026 – Pope Leo has arrived in San Marino, in the historic center the atmosphere is vibrant. Over a thousand Sammarinese, equipped with passes, crowd Piazza della Libertà in front of the Palazzo Pubblico from the first light of dawn. The car journey to the heart of the Republic turns into a crowd bath: hundreds of faithful gather along the streets, from Domagnano to Borgo Maggiore, to catch even just a nod or a smile from the Holy Father. After the stops in San Marino and Pennabilli, Pope Leo will arrive in Rimini. It will be the twelfth time a Pontiff has visited the city in history. A visit that comes 44 years after that of John Paul II. And it promises to be just as memorable. There will be inconveniences, due to security measures and many prohibitions imposed for the occasion. But – to quote Mayor Jamil Sadegholvaad – it is a sacrifice “worth it.” Leo XIV will arrive at the Rimini Fair (from Pennabilli) by helicopter, around 2:45 PM, to visit the Meeting and meet the CL people. After the welcome by the authorities, he will visit the exhibitions on Saint Augustine and Léon Harmel, the Village of the Boys where he will greet the Meeting participants for the first time, while at 4 PM he will take the stage at the Auditorium and speak to the CL people. Following that, the meeting in the Cathedral and the mass at the port. There will be over 500 men and women of the police forces engaged today for the Pope’s visit. Special units and reinforcements will also be deployed, including bomb disposal experts and sharpshooters.
Pope Leo has arrived at the Palazzo Pubblico of the Republic of San Marino. In the Atrium, the Pope is introduced to the Secretaries of State. Then, in the Council Hall of the XII, a private meeting and the signing of the Book of Distinguished Guests are scheduled.
It takes just half an hour by car for Pope Leo to cover the route and reach the heart of the Republic. Along the way there are no real stops, but the procession undergoes many slowdowns to allow the Pontiff to embrace the Sammarinese gathered in the streets. It is just past 9:30 AM when Pope Leo XIV reaches Piazza della Libertà. The Holy Father arrives on foot after a short journey through the districts of Titano, starting from Piazza Garibaldi. Awaiting him are the notes of the Pontifical Anthem and the Sammarinese anthem. After the solemn meeting and military honors, the Pope and the Captains Regent enter the Palazzo Pubblico for official talks.
“At a historic moment when the international order is increasingly exposed to dangerous impulses towards the law of the strongest, Your constant closeness to the communities of every State, small or large, inspires hope and confidence in the future.” The words of President Mattarella to the Pope.
Bells ringing and applause for Pope Leo who has arrived in the historic center of San Marino. After getting out of the car, he continues on foot towards Piazza della Libertà.
“Holiness, I wish to express my heartfelt thanks for the message you sent me on the occasion of the Pastoral Visit that will bring you to the Republic of San Marino on the centenary of diplomatic relations with the Holy See – so said in a message the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, sent to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on the occasion of his pastoral visit to San Marino -. Italy looks with participation at this significant anniversary. It testifies to the strength of a bond founded on shared values and on a constant dialogue in the service of peace, the dignity of the person and the common good, ideals that also animate the Italian Constitution.” “The Republic of San Marino bears in its very name traces of deep Christian roots and proudly preserves its ancient institutional traditions. I am certain that Your presence in this Country will be of the highest inspiration for the Authorities and the citizens of Titano, as well as for all men and women of good will, comforted by Your constant call, in Your apostolic journeys and visits, to act as builders of peace and seek harmony among peoples,” added the Head of State.
In Piazza della Libertà deployment of the Military Corps (Military Band, Uniformed Company of the Militias, Guard of the Great and General Council, Rocca Guard – Artillery Company with respective Flags).
Prevost is the third Pontiff to visit the Republic of Titano, after John Paul II on August 29, 1982, and Benedict XVI on June 19, 2011.
In the historic center the atmosphere is vibrant. Over a thousand Sammarinese, equipped with passes, crowd Piazza della Libertà in front of the Palazzo Pubblico from the first light of dawn. The car journey to the heart of the Republic turns into a crowd bath: hundreds of faithful gather along the streets, from Domagnano to Borgo Maggiore, to catch even just a nod or a smile from the Holy Father.
Pope Leo’s helicopter makes an early arrival on the schedule: at 8:45, fifteen minutes ahead, it lands at the Torraccia airfield, in San Marino. Waiting to greet him for the first historic welcome are the Captains Regent, Alice Mina and Vladimiro Selva, along with the Titano delegation.
“The meeting with the Pope will be the greatest show after the Big Bang”: said the Bishop of San Marino, Monsignor Domenico Beneventi, quoting the famous Jovanotti song, a few minutes before Leo’s visit to the Republic of San Marino.
The Pope “departed at 8 by helicopter from the Vatican heliport, to go on a Pastoral Visit to the Republic of San Marino, to the Meeting for Friendship among Peoples and to the city of Rimini.” Reports the Holy See press office. Leo is the third Pontiff to go to San Marino, after John Paul II and Ratzinger.
140 trash bins have been removed and 1,400 manholes sealed. Along with the police forces, 90 local police officers from Rimini will be deployed for traffic management, with reinforcements from colleagues from neighboring municipalities.
Over 500 men and women of the police forces will be engaged today for the Pope’s visit. Special units and reinforcements will also be deployed, including bomb disposal experts and sharpshooters. The security plan includes strict controls at sea and in the air, with various helicopters and the use of drones.
