The Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, H.E. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, spoke on 3 June at the Next Tourism Innovation Forum, promoted by the Republic of San Marino and this year dedicated to the theme “From the destination to meaning”. The event brought together institutional representatives, tourism professionals, experts, and scholars to reflect on the new perspectives of contemporary tourism.
In his address, Archbishop Fisichella offered a reflection on the value of religious tourism as an experience capable of accompanying the person beyond the simple geographical destination, toward a deeper search for meaning. “Human beings continue to set out on a journey because they carry a deeper question in their hearts: the desire to find meaning, to encounter others, and to be amazed by beauty,” he said. Referring to the Holy See’s Message for the 47th World Tourism Day and to recent teachings of Pope Leo XIV, the Pro-Prefect emphasized how pilgrimage still represents an authentic response to the need for interiority that characterizes our time.
In a context marked by speed, productivity, and immediacy, the journey restores the sense of time, waiting, and what is essential. Special attention was given to the Cammino del Titano, presented as a meaningful experience of spiritual tourism capable of uniting history, nature, and faith. Archbishop Fisichella recalled how the very story of San Marino, a pilgrim and founder of the Republic, stands as an eloquent testimony to the human and spiritual value of setting out on a journey. Central to his reflection was also the contemplation of beauty, presented as one of the privileged paths to open the heart to transcendence. Citing St. Augustine and the Christian tradition of the via pulchritudinis, the Pro-Prefect highlighted how artistic, cultural, and natural heritage is not only something to be preserved and enhanced, but also a language capable of guiding humanity toward the Mystery.
In the context of the celebrations marking the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, Archbishop Fisichella also recalled the relevance of the Canticle of the Creatures, emphasizing how contemplation of creation leads to recognizing all reality as a gift and an occasion for gratitude. Concluding his intervention, the Pro-Prefect expressed the hope that religious tourism may safeguard not only places, but above all the spirit they embody, fostering authentic experiences of encounter, hospitality, and inner growth. In this perspective, the Republic of San Marino — with its ancient history, the Cammino del Titano, and its position as a crossroads between the Apennines and the Adriatic — can become a significant European reference point for tourism that unites culture, spirituality, and hope.
At the end of the event, His Excellency Archbishop Rino Fisichella was received by the Captains Regent of the Republic of San Marino, Alice Mina and Vladimiro Selva, accompanied by a state delegation including the Secretary of State for Tourism, Federico Pedini Amati, the General Commissioner of the San Marino Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, Filippo Francini, and His Excellency Monsignor Domenico Beneventi, Bishop of San Marino-Montefeltro. The meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere of mutual esteem, providing an opportunity to further explore the contribution that religious and cultural tourism can offer to the promotion of the human, spiritual, and identity values of the San Marino territory.
