Prince Albert met Pope Leo XIV after facial surgery
Prince Albert II made his first public appearance after a scheduled skin procedure when he had an audience with the Pope at the Vatican.
On Saturday, January 17, 2026, Prince Albert II of Monaco had a private audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. It was the prince's first public engagement after the palace announced earlier in the week that he had undergone a scheduled dermatological procedure.
Prince Albert II in audience with Pope Leo XIV. Photo: Vatican Media
The Prince's Palace confirmed that Albert had undergone a short procedure on his scalp and face as part of routine dermatological follow-up to treat a benign condition. The procedure required a few stitches, and a small scar was visible on the prince's left cheek during the meeting with the Pope.
The palace emphasized that the condition was harmless and benign, and that the procedure has not affected the prince's official schedule. "His Serene Highness Prince Albert's schedule of activities continues as normal," the statement read.
Prince Albert meeting with Archbishop Paul Gallagher. Photo: Vatican Media
During the audience, Prince Albert and Pope Leo XIV discussed the good diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Principality of Monaco, as well as the Catholic Church's historic and significant contribution to the principality's social life.
The conversation also covered topics of mutual interest such as environmental protection, humanitarian assistance, and the defense of human dignity. International affairs were discussed with particular emphasis on peace and security, as well as the situation in the Middle East and certain regions of Africa.
This was the second meeting between Prince Albert and Pope Leo XIV. The first took place shortly after Leo was installed as Pope following the passing of Pope Francis. During the audience, the Pope presented the prince with a bas-relief inspired by the icon attributed to Saint Luke, depicting Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
On this occasion, Prince Albert II also extended a formal invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit the Principality of Monaco.
Prince Albert II in audience with Pope Leo XIV. Photo: Vatican Media
The Prince's Palace confirmed that Albert had undergone a short procedure on his scalp and face as part of routine dermatological follow-up to treat a benign condition. The procedure required a few stitches, and a small scar was visible on the prince's left cheek during the meeting with the Pope.
The palace emphasized that the condition was harmless and benign, and that the procedure has not affected the prince's official schedule. "His Serene Highness Prince Albert's schedule of activities continues as normal," the statement read.
Prince Albert meeting with Archbishop Paul Gallagher. Photo: Vatican Media
During the audience, Prince Albert and Pope Leo XIV discussed the good diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Principality of Monaco, as well as the Catholic Church's historic and significant contribution to the principality's social life.
The conversation also covered topics of mutual interest such as environmental protection, humanitarian assistance, and the defense of human dignity. International affairs were discussed with particular emphasis on peace and security, as well as the situation in the Middle East and certain regions of Africa.
This was the second meeting between Prince Albert and Pope Leo XIV. The first took place shortly after Leo was installed as Pope following the passing of Pope Francis. During the audience, the Pope presented the prince with a bas-relief inspired by the icon attributed to Saint Luke, depicting Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
On this occasion, Prince Albert II also extended a formal invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit the Principality of Monaco.