Pope Leo XIV Visits Monaco, Urges Wealth Used For Good/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Pope Leo XIV made a historic visit to Monaco, urging residents to use wealth and faith for good. The pontiff emphasized protecting life and promoting Catholic teachings. Prince Albert and Princess Charlene welcomed Leo during the rare papal trip.
Pope Leo XIV Monaco Visit Quick Looks
- Pope Leo XIV visits Monaco for one-day trip
- First papal visit since 1538
- Prince Albert and Princess Charlene greet pope
- Pope urges wealth used for good
- Calls for protecting life from conception
- Monaco maintains Catholicism as state religion
- Charlene wears white under Vatican protocol
- Mass held in Monaco sports stadium
- Crowds gather to see pope
- Monaco population largely Catholic and multinational
Deep Look: Pope Leo XIV Visits Monaco, Urges Faith and Wealth Used for Good
MONACO — Pope Leo XIV made a historic visit to Monaco on Saturday, urging the wealthy Mediterranean principality to use its influence, resources, and Catholic faith to promote peace and protect human life.
The one-day visit marked the first papal trip to Monaco in nearly five centuries, with the last visit occurring in 1538 when Pope Paul III traveled to the tiny coastal nation. The rare visit underscored Monaco’s unique role as both a Catholic state and a global hub for wealth and influence.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene welcomed Pope Leo XIV at Monaco’s heliport with ceremonial honors, including a cannon salute. The pope arrived just steps away from Monaco’s famous marina, home to luxury yachts owned by some of the world’s wealthiest individuals.
At the royal palace, members of Monaco’s royal family gathered in the courtyard to greet the pontiff. Female members of the family wore traditional black attire with lace head coverings. Princess Charlene, however, wore white — a privilege granted by the Vatican to Catholic royal sovereigns known as “le privilège du blanc.”
Pope Calls for Wealth Used Responsibly
Speaking from the palace balcony, Pope Leo XIV encouraged Monaco’s residents to use their prosperity and influence to benefit society.
He highlighted the principality’s “gift of smallness,” suggesting Monaco could serve as a model for ethical leadership and humanitarian responsibility.
The pope warned that global instability and displays of power threaten peace, urging Monaco’s leaders and citizens to promote compassion and solidarity.
“Especially at a historical moment when the display of power and the logic of oppression are harming the world and jeopardizing peace,” Leo said.
Emphasis on Catholic Teachings
Later, during remarks at Monaco’s cathedral, Pope Leo XIV emphasized Catholic teachings on protecting life from conception to natural death — language commonly used by the Vatican to oppose abortion and euthanasia.
He urged Monaco’s Catholics to spread their faith and uphold these values within society.
“So that the life of every man and woman may be defended and promoted from conception until natural death,” Leo said.
Monaco is one of the few European nations where Catholicism remains the official state religion. The principality’s Catholic identity continues to shape political and social decisions.
Prince Albert’s Role in Catholic Tradition
Prince Albert recently rejected a proposal to legalize abortion in Monaco, citing the importance of Catholic values in the principality’s society.
While largely symbolic — since Monaco is surrounded by France, where abortion is legal — the decision reinforced Monaco’s commitment to Catholic doctrine.
Albert’s stance mirrors similar actions by European Catholic monarchs. In 1990, Belgium’s King Baudouin temporarily abdicated rather than approve abortion legislation — an act later praised by the Vatican.
Monaco’s Unique Global Identity
Monaco, a glamorous coastal enclave covering just 2.2 square kilometers, is known worldwide for its wealth, tax advantages, and high-profile events such as the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix.
Despite its luxury reputation, Monaco maintains strong Catholic traditions. The population of about 38,000 is heavily Catholic, though only around one-fifth are actual citizens of the principality.
During the pope’s visit, crowds gathered along the streets and palace grounds to greet Leo. Many waved Vatican and Monaco flags as the pope traveled in an open-sided popemobile.
Public Mass and Community Visit
Pope Leo XIV’s visit included meetings with Monaco’s Catholic community and a public Mass held at a sports stadium.
The sunny spring weather brought large crowds, with many residents and visitors turning out to witness the historic occasion.
The visit highlighted Monaco’s blend of tradition, wealth, and faith — and Pope Leo XIV’s message that prosperity carries responsibility.
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