Leo XIV received in audience on the morning of January 17 in the Apostolic Palace Prince Albert II of Monaco, in a visit that continued with official conversations in the Secretariat of State.
Meeting in the Vatican and Dialogue with the Secretariat of State
After the audience with the Pontiff, the Monegasque prince held a meeting with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations. The format of the event—a papal audience followed by diplomatic contacts—reflects the institutional nature of the visit and the continuity of the bilateral channel between the Holy See and the Principality.
“Good Bilateral Relations” and the Historical Role of the Church in the Principality
The note released by the Holy See Press Office highlighted the good state of relations between both parties and expressly mentioned the “historical and significant contribution” of the Catholic Church to the social life of Monaco. The message points to an established cooperation and a stable framework of understanding, where the ecclesial presence is not limited to the religious sphere, but forms part of the public identity of the Principality.
Environment, Humanitarian Aid, and Dignity of the Person
During the course of the conversations, matters of common interest were addressed. Among them, the care for the environment, humanitarian aid, and the defense and promotion of human dignity, three areas that the Holy See usually places at the center of its international agenda and in which Monaco has sought to project an image of involvement and commitment.
Exchange on International Current Affairs: Peace, Security, and the Middle East
The communiqué adds that there was also an exchange of views on the global landscape, with special attention to peace and security, and specific references to the situation in the Middle East and in some regions of Africa. Without going into details, the wording indicates a diplomatic dialogue focused on conflict hotspots and scenarios where humanitarian crises, regional security, and political stability intersect.