Prince Albert II of Monaco has described the upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV to the Principality, scheduled for this Saturday, as “an unexpected blessing”, in a historic day that has not occurred since the 16th century, as he explained in an interview given to Corriere della Sera.
The Pontiff’s visit will mark the return of a Pope to Monaco for the first time since 1538, when Paul III passed through the enclave after the Congress of Nice. The prince himself acknowledged his surprise at the speed with which Leo XIV accepted the invitation, made in January during a visit to the Vatican.
A historic visit to the Principality
The Pope will be received by Albert II and Princess Charlene at the Monaco heliport and will carry out an intense agenda that includes his presence at the Prince’s Palace, the palatine chapel, and the cathedral, in addition to the celebration of a mass at the Louis II stadium.
During his stay, Leo XIV will also appear on the balcony of the princely palace, in a symbolic gesture in a country where Catholicism has been the state religion since 1962.
The Principality, one of the few nations that maintains this constitutional recognition of Catholicism, is thus preparing for a day of special religious and public relevance.
The Pope’s itinerary in Monaco
According to the official program disseminated by the Holy See, the Pope will depart at 7:00 from the Vatican by helicopter and arrive in Monaco at 9:00, where he will be officially received by the Principality’s authorities.
After the welcome ceremony at the Prince’s Palace and the meeting with Albert II, Leo XIV will hold a meeting with the Catholic community at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, followed by a meeting with young people and catechumens in the vicinity of the Church of Saint Devote.
In the afternoon, the Pontiff will preside over the Holy Mass at the Louis II stadium, the central act of the visit, before returning to Rome by helicopter at the end of the day.
Faith, tradition, and public life in Monaco
Albert II emphasized that Monaco combines its international projection with an identity marked by Christian faith. “We are a community with a sincere faith, open to the world”, he stated, also highlighting the supportive nature of initiatives such as the traditional Rose Ball.
The prince pointed out that the papal visit will allow reinforcing values such as peace, solidarity, and care for the environment, in line with the concern for creation present in the recent magisterium of the Church.
Defense of the value of life
In the interview, Albert II also addressed his recent decision to veto a bill on abortion in the Principality, where it is currently only allowed in certain cases.
“For me, it was important to ensure respect for the value of life”, the prince affirmed, underscoring the sensitivity of the topic and his commitment to this principle.
A visit with a spiritual dimension
The Monegasque head of state highlighted that the arrival of the Pope should not be understood solely as an institutional event, but as the visit of the “spiritual guide of millions of Catholics around the world”.
In this sense, he explained that together with Princess Charlene, he seeks to transmit to their children an education based on Christian values, such as generosity and openness to others.