The leaders of Europe’s smallest states gathered in Monaco. Pope Leo XIV visited Monaco on 28 March 2026. This was the first papal visit to the Principality of Monaco since the beginning of apostolic journeys in the 1960s, and the third foreign trip of Pope Leo following his election.
Historically, a pope is known to have passed through Monaco in the 16th century, most likely in 1538 during the time of Pope Paul III, but this was not an official visit in the modern sense. Prince Albert II of Monaco visited the Vatican on 17 January 2026.
The visit was a significant religious event for local Catholics, but in the present global situation, the role and positions of leaders of small states are also gaining importance. Even small states can act as bridge-builders and contribute to stability in a complex international context.
The Pope arrived in Monaco by helicopter from Rome in the morning. Prince Albert II received him at Monaco’s heliport, from where they proceeded to the Prince’s Palace. A large number of local residents had gathered in the palace courtyard to greet the Pope. The area was reserved for Monaco’s citizens and permanent residents, and tickets were in very high demand. Both the Pope and the Prince delivered addresses to those present.
From the palace, the Pope continued by popemobile to Monaco Cathedral to meet local Catholics. Along the way, he stopped several times to bless children. After the cathedral, the programme continued at the Church of Sainte-Dévote, where the Pope met local residents and attended a programme prepared by young people and children.
The day culminated in Mass at the Stade Louis II stadium. Approximately 18,000 participants were present. The arrangements proceeded smoothly. After the Mass, the Pope returned to the heliport and continued his journey back to the Vatican to observe Holy Week.
During the visit, the Pope emphasised in several of his addresses the responsible use of economic power and the importance of justice. In his homily at the stadium, he stated that wars are often the result of the idolatry of power and money.
Security arrangements for the visit were extensive. They were carried out in cooperation between the authorities of Monaco and France and were comparable in scale to those for the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix. Security was handled by an estimated 1,600 personnel.
Jouko Ahvenainen