Pope Leo XIV arrives in Monaco for a whirlwind visit, meeting the royal family and holding a mass for 15,000 in his first papal trip to western Europe.
MONACO: Pope Leo XIV arrived in Monaco for a whirlwind visit to the tiny Catholic principality. The trip marks the surprise first western European journey of his papacy.
The US-born pontiff arrived by helicopter from Rome under radiant sunshine. He was greeted at the heliport by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene.
His itinerary begins at the Prince’s Palace, the official residence of the Grimaldi dynasty. He will then deliver a greeting from the palace balcony.
The pope will later meet the Catholic community at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. A visit to the square in front of the Church of Saint Devota, dedicated to Monaco’s patron saint, is also scheduled.
The highlight will be an open-air mass at the Louis II Stadium. The event is expected to be attended by 15,000 people.
Monaco is one of the few European places where Catholicism remains the state religion. It also maintains long-standing diplomatic ties with the Holy See.
Only around 8% of citizens identify as practicing Catholics. Church pews are one of the few places where billionaires, cleaning ladies and construction workers mingle.
