The Holy See is considering the possibility of Pope Leo XIV making a one-day visit to the Principality of Monaco at the end of March. If confirmed, it would be the second trip of his pontificate and the first visit by a Pope, in the modern era, to this European state.
According to Vatican News, the Holy See Press Office confirmed on Tuesday that the trip is currently under study, in response to questions posed by several media outlets.
It would be the second trip of the pontificate
If it materializes, the visit to Monaco would represent the second international trip for Leo XIV since the beginning of his pontificate. His first trip outside Italy took place between November 27 and December 2, 2025, when he made a pilgrimage to Turkey and Lebanon.
During the return flight from that trip, the Pontiff expressed his interest in future destinations. Among them, he mentioned Algeria, with the desire to visit the places linked to Saint Augustine and to promote dialogue between Christians and Muslims. He also expressed his desire to travel to Latin America, referring to Argentina, Uruguay, and Peru, a country where Robert Prevost served as a missionary and later as a bishop.
Recent meeting with Prince Albert II
On January 17, the Pope received Prince Albert II of Monaco in audience at the Vatican. Subsequent meetings were held at the Secretariat of State.
According to the Holy See Press Office at that time, the meeting addressed the good bilateral relations that exist and the contribution of the Catholic Church to the social life of the Principality. In the conversations with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, issues of common interest were discussed, such as care for the environment, humanitarian aid, and the defense and promotion of human dignity.
Likewise, various international developments were analyzed, with special attention to peace and security.
For the moment, the eventual visit remains in the study phase and pending official confirmation from the Holy See.