In his first visit to Monaco in five centuries, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the principality's 'gift of smallness' and urged its residents to combat global inequalities.
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Monaco on March 28, 2026, marking the first papal visit to the tiny European principality in five centuries. During his address from the royal palace, he urged Monaco's wealthy residents to use their prosperity to promote justice amid growing global disparities between rich and poor.
Pope's Arrival and Royal Welcome
The pope traveled by helicopter from Rome, landing at Monaco's heliport after a 90-minute journey. He was greeted by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, who hosted him at the royal palace. Other members of the royal family were present, with the women adhering to Vatican protocol by wearing black and covering their hair, except for Princess Charlene, who wore white under the 'privilege du blanc' for Catholic royalty.
At the palace, Pope Leo XIV gifted Prince Albert II an artwork from the Vatican's mosaic studio depicting St. Francis of Assisi, symbolizing renunciation of wealth for the poor. The pope's itinerary included a visit to Monaco's only cathedral and a mass at a nearby sports stadium.
Key Messages in the Pope's Address
In his French-language speech, Pope Leo XIV condemned 'unjust configurations of power' that create divides between the privileged and the rejected. He specifically called for Monaco's residents to channel their wealth toward law and justice, especially during a time of escalating global conflicts that threaten peace.
Monaco, the second-smallest country after Vatican City, serves as a tax haven with a predominantly Catholic population. Prince Albert II has upheld Catholic values, such as blocking a bill to legalize abortion last year, emphasizing the faith's role in society.
The visit highlighted Monaco's position as one of the few European nations with Catholicism as the official state religion. Prince Albert described the event as a testament to the principality's significance in the Catholic world, reinforcing ties between Monaco and the Vatican.
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