Prince Albert visits with Pope Leo in the Vatican

Prince Albert II was in the Vatican this weekend and presented a very historic invitation.

Prince Albert II of Monaco paid a working visit to Vatican City this weekend. The Sovereign Prince of the second smallest country in the world had the opportunity to visit with the Sovereign of the world’s smallest country, with a following of over one billion, on Saturday, 17th January.

Prince Albert was at the Inauguration Mass of Pope Leo last Spring, and most recently visited in December to pass through the Holy Door during the 2025 Jubilee. This visit, though, was in relation to work.

Upon arrival at the San Damaso Courtyard, Prince Albert was greeted by the Vice-Regent of the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household, Father Edward Daleng O.S.A. The role of the Vice-Regent is to organise papal audiences while receiving and ensuring visitors are led and briefed on proper protocol, which Prince Albert has mastered as one of the five Catholic Sovereigns in Europe.

It’s also worth noting that Albert’s first public appearance outside the Principality was two days after his accession on the 8th April, 2005 to attend the Funeral Mass of Pope Saint John Paul II.

On Saturday, in the Palace’s Sala del Tronetto, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV warmly greeted Prince Albert. The two heads of state exchanged pleasantries before heading into the Holy Father’s private library.

A statement from the Prince’s Palace (Palais Princier de Monaco) said:

During this meeting, the Sovereign Pontiff and H.S.H. the Prince reviewed current international affairs before discussing respect for life, family, and human dignity, as well as issues related to peace and environmental protection, demonstrating a convergence of views between the Holy See and the Principality of Monaco on these subjects.

Albert also extended an invitation for Pope Leo to visit Monaco. It would be a significant gesture if undertaken, as there has not been a recent visit from a reigning Pontiff to the Principality.

At the conclusion of the Audience, the Prince presented the Holy Father with an edition of the Confessions of St. Augustine that once belonged to Alfred de Vigny and was annotated by his own hand. Pope Leo, in return, gifted Prince Albert a bas-relief inspired by the icon attributed to Saint Luke, depicting Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

Photo: Vatican Média

Following the visit with the Pope, Prince Albert was received by the Vatican Secretary of State, His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The Prince also held a meeting with the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, H.E. Monsignor Paul Richard Gallagher. A statement from the Holy See Press Office noted that discussions included the role of the Catholic Church within the Principality. Also covering several issues of common interest, such as environmental protection, humanitarian aid, and the defence and promotion of human dignity.

Prince Albert II of Monaco was seen with several stitches on his head and face. The Prince’s Palace stated last week that as part of a routine dermatological follow-up, Prince Albert underwent a scheduled, short procedure on his scalp and face to treat a benign condition. His schedules will continue as normal.