Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène Welcomed Pope Leo XIV to Monaco
Photo: The Prince's Palace of Monaco
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Monaco by helicopter and was welcomed by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène. It is the first papal visit to Monaco since 1538.
On Saturday 28 March 2026, Pope Leo XIV arrived in the Principality of Monaco by helicopter and was welcomed on the heliport's red carpet by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène. The papal visit is historic, being the first since 1538. Monaco is one of the few European countries where Catholicism is the official state religion.
Prince Albert II greets Pope Leo XIV upon his arrival in Monaco. Photo: The Prince's Palace of Monaco
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène talking with Pope Leo XIV at the heliport. Photo: The Prince's Palace of Monaco
The Pope was then welcomed by Prince Albert and Princess Charlène at the Prince's Palace, together with Monsignor Dominique-Marie David. Prince Jacques, Princess Gabriella, Princess Caroline, Princess Stéphanie, Charlotte Casiraghi, Pierre Casiraghi, Beatrice Borromeo, Louis Ducruet, Marie Chevallier and Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy also attended the welcoming ceremony.
Prince Albert II and Pope Leo XIV in the courtyard of the Prince's Palace. Photo: The Prince's Palace of Monaco
Members of the Princely Family gathered at the welcoming ceremony at the Prince's Palace. Photo: The Prince's Palace of Monaco
Princess Gabriella greets Pope Leo XIV as Princess Charlène and Prince Albert look on. Photo: The Prince's Palace of Monaco
The Pope's programme included a private meeting with Prince Albert and Princess Charlène at the palace, a meeting with Monaco's Catholic community in the cathedral, and Mass in the sports stadium.
Official photo: Princess Gabriella, Princess Charlène, Pope Leo XIV, Prince Albert II and Prince Jacques. Photo: The Prince's Palace of Monaco