The Digester
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Pope Leo XIV urges Monaco to use its 'gift of smallness' for justice

On a 90 minute visit, Pope Leo XIV told Monaco's elite to put their wealth at the service of law and justice in the first papal trip to the principality since 1538, meeting Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene at the royal palace.

Mar 28th 2026 ยท Monaco

Insights

  • Pope Leo XIV made the first papal visit to Monaco since 1538, arriving by about 90 minute helicopter flight from Rome.
  • He called on the principality's wealthy residents to put their prosperity at the service of law and justice and condemned structures that widen gaps between rich and poor.
  • The pope met Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene at the palace, presenting a Vatican mosaic of St Francis and addressing the crowd from the palace balcony in French.
  • Princess Charlene wore white under the Vatican privilege du blanc while other royal women followed Vatican protocol by wearing black.
  • The visit included a cathedral visit and a mass at a nearby sports stadium, and came as Monaco affirms Catholicism as its state religion amid recent domestic debates such as a blocked abortion bill.

Sources