MONACO (AP) — Pope Leo XIV made a significant visit to the Mediterranean principality of Monaco on Saturday, March 28, 2026, with the goal of urging its citizens to utilize their Catholic faith and considerable wealth for the greater good. This visit marks the first papal presence in Monaco since Pope Paul III’s visit in 1538.
The arrival was met with ceremonial grandeur as a cannon boomed, signaling the pope's entrance. Prince Albert and Princess Charlene welcomed Leo at the Monaco heliport, located just a stone's throw from the marina renowned for hosting the megayachts of the wealthy and famous. The day was bright, with a brilliant sun making the Mediterranean waters shimmer as the pope emerged from an Italian military helicopter that transported him from the Vatican for this nine-hour visit.
Upon reaching the palace, members of the royal family awaited Leo in the courtyard. The women were clad in black and wore lace head coverings, a nod to the solemnity of the occasion. Throughout this visit, Leo intends to demonstrate how small states, such as the Holy See and Monaco, can exert significant influence on the global stage, especially during turbulent times, by upholding traditional Catholic values regarding the sanctity of human life.
In Monaco, Catholicism holds the status of the official state religion, which is noteworthy in contemporary Europe. Recently, Prince Albert declined a proposal to legalize abortion, emphasizing the vital role Catholicism plays in Monte Carlo society. This decision carries symbolic weight, considering that abortion is constitutionally permitted in neighboring France, which encircles the small principality measuring only 2.2 square kilometers (approximately 1 square mile).
Albert's refusal aligns him with other European Catholic royals who have historically upheld similar stances, defending Catholic doctrine amid a rapidly secularizing continent. Notably, during Pope Francis's visit to Belgium in 2024, he announced the late King Baudouin’s potential path to sainthood due to his abdication for a day in 1990, avoiding the approval of abortion legalization legislation.
The itinerary for Leo's visit included a private audience with Prince Albert and Princess Charlene at the palace, an interaction with Monaco's Catholic community at the cathedral, and a Mass held in the local sports stadium. The event underscores Monaco's status as a coastal playground famous not only for its tax incentives but also for glamorous events, including the notable Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Prince Albert, son of the late actress Grace Kelly, showcased his proficiency in unaccented English while greeting Leo at the heliport. In a light-hearted moment, Pope Leo remarked that he had landed three minutes later than scheduled. Monaco's population, approximately 38,000, is predominantly Catholic and is characterized by its multinational makeup, with only about one-fifth of residents being actual citizens of the principality. The event solidified the ties between the Vatican and Monaco, highlighting the importance of shared values in a globalized world.
