Monaco’s royals have welcomed Pope Leo for an historic visit to their country.
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene welcomed the Pontiff to Monaco for an Apostolic Visit, the first ever made to the little nation.
There was a huge turnout for Leo XIV as he spent the day in Monaco with the streets packed with people to cheer him as he arrived.
He had flown into the country by helicopter with the Sovereign Prince waiting for him at the heliport.
Along with Princess Charlene, Prince Albert walked out along a red carpet and under bright blue skies to welcome Pope Leo to the country.
The Princess of Monaco curtsied to the Pope as she welcomed him, a tradition among royalty. As is also traditional, Princess Charlene wore white to meet the Pope – the most senior royal women of Catholic monarchies are permitted to wear the colour in the Pope’s presence, rather than the traditional black.
Pope Leo was greeted by big crowds as he made his way to the Prince’s Palace for an official welcome which saw the anthems of both Monaco and the Vatican City played before the Pontiff inspected a Guard of Honour.
The Prince and Princess of Monaco were joined by their 11 year old twins at the official welcome. Heir to the throne, Prince Jacques, gave a deep bow as he greeted Pope Leo. His sister, Princess Gabriella, was also wearing white and made a small curtsey to the Pope.
The rest of Monaco’s royals were also there, led by Prince Albert’s two sisters, Princess Caroline of Hanover and Princess Stephanie. Both women wore black for the event, unlike their sister in law who, as consort, has what is known as the ‘privilege du blanc’.
Pope Leo and Prince Albert both made speeches from the window of the Prince’s Palace with the Pontiff calling on everyone in Monaco to play their part for justice, community and to look after the environment. Prince Albert spoke of the historic nature of the visit.
(Michaël Alesi / Palais princier)
During his time at the Prince’s Palace, Pope Leo also held an audience with Prince Albert and the two exchanged gifts.
Pope Leo went on to visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Monaco to meet more of the Catholic community in the country. He spoke of the importance he placed on Monaco still retaining Catholicism as its state religion.
There was also a chance for a tour of the streets in the Popemobile but the crowds were so large that, as he approached his next destination, Pope Leo stopped the vehicle and began a walkabout.
He then headed into the Church of Saint Devota, patron of Monaco and of its royal family. The little chapel is also where Princess Charlene offered her wedding bouquet following her marriage to Prince Albert in 2011.
Pope Leo spent some time in prayer there before heading to the Louis II stadium to celebrate Mass. Over 15,000 people turned out for the service.
Monaco’s royals have put a huge emphasis on the importance of this visit and had even traced the family tree of Leo XIV to show that he is descended from someone from the country.
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene accompanied Pope Leo to the heliport at the end of his visit to bid him farewell.
Albert II has already visited Pope Leo at the Vatican since he was elected Pontiff in May 2025. This visit, the first ever made to Monaco by a Pope, has cemented that relationship further with tens of thousands turning out to see the Pontiff with his royal hosts.
