Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to travel to Monaco on Saturday, March 28, where he will reflect on Europe and the responsible use of wealth. This will be his second international trip and the first papal visit to this small principality, which has not hosted a pontiff in five centuries.
According to Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni, the stop in Monaco presents an opportunity to address crucial issues regarding the future of the European continent. The visit was prompted by an invitation from Prince Albert II, who met with the pope on January 17.
This trip also comes after the Monegasque leader rejected a law aimed at legalizing abortion in the country, a decision influenced by the Catholic religion, which is recognized as the state religion in Monaco.
During his brief nine-hour stay, Leo XIV will visit several locations, including the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and the Louis II Stadium, where he will preside over a mass attended by approximately 15,000 faithful. The visit is expected to highlight the importance of environmental protection, a topic close to Prince Albert, who promotes sustainability initiatives.
The journey will begin at 9:00 AM with a welcome ceremony at the prince’s palace. This event has been described as a surprise by Albert II, who expressed that he considers the pope’s visit a “blessing.”
