Pope leon xiv begins brief visit to Monaco alongside Prince Albert II

Saturday 28 March 2026 - 09:45

Pope Leon XIV began a short but symbolic visit to Monaco on Saturday morning, marking his first trip to Western Europe since the start of his pontificate.

Arriving by helicopter from Rome, the pontiff was welcomed by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene at the Monaco heliport under clear skies. Church bells rang across the principality, underscoring the importance of the visit for this predominantly Catholic state.

In an official statement, Prince Albert II highlighted shared priorities between Monaco and the Vatican, including peacebuilding, international solidarity, and the promotion of peace through sport.

The pope’s agenda includes a private meeting at the princely palace—home of the Grimaldi dynasty—followed by visits to key religious sites such as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and the Church of Sainte-Dévote, dedicated to the patron saint of Monaco.

The highlight of the visit is expected to be an open-air mass at the Stade Louis II, where around 15,000 people are anticipated to gather.

Despite Monaco’s reputation for luxury, casinos, and high-end real estate, authorities have emphasized its deep-rooted ties with the Catholic Church and its longstanding diplomatic relations with the Holy See. The visit is also seen as an opportunity to showcase the principality’s cultural diversity, with more than 140 nationalities represented among its residents.

While only a minority of Monaco’s population regularly attends religious services, churches remain one of the few places where people from different social backgrounds meet.

During his speeches, Pope Leon XIV is expected to address issues such as environmental protection—an important cause for Prince Albert II—as well as peace, human dignity, and the protection of life.

The visit comes just one week before Easter, offering a key moment to gauge the popularity of the American-born pope among European Catholics, particularly in neighboring countries like France and Italy.