Historic Papal Visit to a Small, Affluent Nation
In a remarkable historical event, Pope Leo XIV embarked on his inaugural overseas journey of 2026 to the small, prosperous country of Monaco. This visit marks the first time a pope has made an official visit to this nation in the current era.
He made his arrival via helicopter directly from the Vatican and was warmly greeted by the country’s royal couple, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene. The Pope commenced his visit with an intimate meeting at the royal palace, while outside, a crowd of locals and visitors cheerfully awaited his appearance, proudly waving the flags of both Monaco and the Vatican and kids donned yellow caps in his honor.
Why Monaco?
Many have wondered why the Pope chose to visit Monaco, known for its affluence and reputation as a luxury retreat for the ultra-wealthy, on his initial overseas trip of the year, and his first outside of Italy within the European continent.
However, the bond between Monaco and the Vatican is historic and strong, with Catholicism serving as the official religion of Monaco. There is a strategic advantage for the Vatican to foster a close relationship with another small nation.
Further adding a personal touch, Pope Leo XIV, the first-ever pope born in the United States, and Prince Albert share a common American connection. This link can be traced back to Prince Albert’s American mother, the iconic Hollywood actress Grace Kelly, who married Prince Rainier III in the mid-20th century.
A Message for Monaco and the World
Addressing the gathering outside the royal palace, Pope Leo XIV encouraged the wealthy nation to use its resources for the betterment of law and justice, especially during a time when “the show of might and the tactics of subjugation are damaging the world and putting peace at risk."
The Role of Small States
According to the Pope's close aide, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, small nations can play a significant moral role on the global stage, serving as a “defensive wall against dictatorial tendencies”. He further emphasized the shared values between the Vatican and Monaco.
Parolin stated that in an era when “the strength of international law seems to be receding” along with the “rising threat of theories advocating preventive wars”, smaller nations can act as “natural protectors of multilateralism”.
Such shared values include environmental protection, with Monaco actively striving for a green transition, and opposition to abortion, as demonstrated by Prince Albert's recent rejection of an abortion law in his country.
Deep Historical Ties
The profound connection between Monaco and the Catholic Church is further evident in the exceptional privilege granted to Princess Charlene, who, as one of the few Catholic royal women, is permitted to wear white in the Pope’s presence, instead of the traditional black.
The Pope's Schedule
During his one-day visit, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to meet with Monaco's Catholic community and lead a public Mass at the national stadium.
Interestingly, the Pope has no intention of visiting the famed casino district of Monaco. Pope Leo XIV, as shared by his brother John, gave up gambling after his missionary work in Peru. John shared that they used to enjoy occasional gambling, but after his experiences in Peru, the Pope decided that there are better ways to use money.