Prince Albert and Princess Charlene welcome Pope Leo to Monaco

Pope Leo XIV paid an Apostolic Journey to Monaco on Saturday.

Following Prince Albert’s visit to the Vatican earlier this year, a historic invitation was extended for Pope Leo XIV to visit Monaco. It would be the first such Papal visit in over 485 years—the last was Pope Paul III in 1538. After taking up the invitation, a date was set for late March.

Photo: Vatican Media

On Saturday morning, Pope Leo arrived at Monaco’s Heliport and was greeted by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene. The Pope’s arrival marked his first European trip since being elected as Supreme Pontiff. After greetings and pleasantries with the assembled arrival delegations, the Princely Couple made their way back to the Palace to await the Holy Father’s arrival.

Photo: Vatican Media

Around 9.25, Pope Leo XIV arrived at the Prince’s Palace. He was welcomed by Prince Albert, Princess Charlene, Hereditary Prince Jacques, and Princess Gabriella in the Cour d’Honneur (Court of Honour), where a welcome ceremony took place. Following the playing of the respective national anthems, the review of the Guard of Honour, the Honour to the Flag of the Prince’s Carabinieri and the Presentation of the respective Delegations, the Pope and the Sovereign Prince entered the Palace for an audience.

Photo: Vatican Media

The private meetings took place in the Salon de Famille, followed by the exchange of gifts and the customary official photographs. At the end of the visit, the Pope, with the Sovereign Prince Couple, appeared from the balcony of the Palace, where they greeted the crowds and faithful gathered on the Place du Palais. The Holy Father subsequently signed the Book of Honour in the Salon des Glaces and, after the presentation of the Princely Family in the Salle des Gardes, the Pope and the Sovereign Prince Family returned to the Cour d’Honneur and were shown two frescoes on the facade depicting the visit of Pope Paul III in 1538 as well as the passage of the body of Pope Pius VI in 1802. Finally, both entered the chapel for a moment of recollection.

Photo: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV then departed from the Palace and went abroad the Popemobile to greet the waiting crowds on the way to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.