San Marino: Pope Leo XIV has called on the Catholic community in San Marino to respond to a world affected by conflict and division by following the Gospel with greater courage and conviction. During his visit to the small European republic on August 22, the Pope encouraged Catholics to strengthen their faith, build stronger communities and become witnesses of peace.
Addressing the ecclesial community of San Marino, Pope Leo reflected on the legacy of Saints Marinus and Leo, who are remembered as the founders of the Republic. He highlighted how their Christian faith helped shape the community they established and influenced its values of freedom, mutual respect and communion.
Saints Marinus and Leo were laymen and stonemasons before they were later called to ordained ministry. According to the Pope, their lives showed how the message of the Gospel could be put into practice in everyday life and contribute to the development of a community based on Christian principles.
Pope Leo also had a special message for young people. He urged them not to settle for limited or immediate answers to the important questions of life. Instead, he encouraged them to open their hearts to what is infinite and to remain open to an encounter with God.
The Pope said that faith can help young people understand their purpose and make a lasting contribution to history. He encouraged them to approach their future with enthusiasm and courage, especially when facing important decisions about marriage, consecrated life, ordained ministry, careers and involvement in political and social life.
He also stressed the importance of preparation. Young people, he said, should prepare themselves well so that they can become witnesses to peace in a world that urgently needs it. Peace was a central theme of his journey, and he encouraged the community to make its faith visible through actions that promote reconciliation and understanding.
Education was another important part of the Pope's message. He thanked priests, catechists and teachers for helping parents in the religious education of their children. At the same time, he emphasized that parents have the primary responsibility for educating their children.
Pope Leo encouraged the Church to adopt a wise approach to education that supports parents while also helping them renew their own faith. He said that passing Christian values to children should not simply be seen as a duty, but also as a source of joy for families.
He particularly encouraged families to give importance to baptism and the sacramental life of the Church. He also called for careful attention to the liturgy, describing it as an experience that can strengthen unity among believers.
Turning to the wider situation in the world, Pope Leo said that Jesus provides the definitive answer to the deepest questions about the meaning of life. He described the Gospel as a path of freedom that can be offered to everyone.
For Christians, he explained, charity is expressed in many different ways. However, these acts of service should always seek the complete good of the people receiving support. Faith, therefore, is not something that remains separate from daily life. It should influence the way people treat others and respond to suffering and injustice.
Against the background of wars and conflicts around the world, Pope Leo said Christians should not respond with fear, indifference or division. Instead, he urged them to follow the Gospel more firmly and allow their faith to guide their response.
He also warned against individualism and attitudes that create suspicion and division within communities. For the Pope, communion is essential if people are to rebuild trust and develop stronger hopes for fraternity and peace.
Pope Leo ended his message by returning to the example of Saints Marinus and Leo. Their legacy, he said, remains a responsibility for those living in San Marino today. The community is called not only to remember what its founders achieved, but also to continue their work with perseverance and dedication.
His message placed a strong emphasis on faith expressed through action. For Pope Leo, following the Gospel means building relationships based on respect, serving others, strengthening families and communities, and becoming active witnesses of peace.
As conflicts continue to affect many parts of the world, his appeal from San Marino was a reminder that peace begins with the choices people make in their own communities. By overcoming distrust and division and choosing communion, Christians can help create a society where hope, fraternity and mutual respect have a stronger place.