Pope Leo XIV urged Monaco's residents to use their wealth and influence for good, particularly to uphold Catholic teachings on the sanctity of life during his one-day visit. The first papal visit since 1538, Leo met with Prince Albert and Princess Charlene, emphasizing the importance of Catholic values in a world challenged by power and oppression.
Speaking in French at the cathedral, Leo encouraged Monaco’s Catholics to defend and promote life from conception to natural death, a stance supported by Prince Albert’s recent refusal to legalize abortion in the principality. Monaco, with a heavily Catholic and multinational population, remains one of the few European countries where Catholicism is the official state religion.
Leo’s visit included a meeting with Monaco’s Catholic community and Mass in the sports stadium, with many residents turning out to welcome him.