Trending Now - Pope Leo Xiv's Inaugural 2026 Trip: a Call for Faith in Monaco
WHO:
Anne Boggio, CEO of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation
Pope Leo XIV
Prince Albert of Monaco
Princess Charlene of Monaco
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Holy See’s Secretary of State
Monaco’s Catholic community
WHAT:
Pope Leo XIV urged Monaco's residents to reject the “idolatry of power and money” that is fueling wars around the world.
Leo stated, “The gift of smallness and a living spiritual heritage invite you to put your prosperity at the service of law and justice.”
During his homily at Mass, Leo said, “Today’s wars, stained with blood, are the fruit of the idolatry of power and money.”
The visit included a public Mass at the national stadium, where Leo emphasized the need for peace and the importance of seeing others as brothers and sisters.
The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation was founded nearly 14 years ago.
In 2025, the Foundation ran 82 projects throughout the world.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin stated that small states could play an important moral role on the world stage as a “bulwark against authoritarian tendencies.”
Pope Leo XIV made his first foreign trip of 2026 to Monaco.
The visit is the first papal visit to Monaco in modern times and since Pope Paul III in 1538.
Leo encouraged the people of Monaco to use their Catholic faith and wealth for good.
The visit included a private meeting with Prince Albert and Princess Charlene, a meeting with Monaco’s Catholic community, and a public Mass at the national stadium.
Monaco has a population of approximately 38,000, with a significant Catholic majority.
WHERE:
The visit included a meeting with Monaco’s Catholic community in the cathedral.
Monaco, a Mediterranean principality.
The visit began at the Monaco heliport and included the prince’s palace and the national stadium.
WHEN:
The visit occurred on Saturday, March 28th, 2026.
The helicopter journey from the Vatican to Monaco was completed in a nine-hour stay.
WHY:
The Pope's visit aimed to highlight how small states like Monaco and the Holy See can have significant influence on the global stage, especially in times of war.
The Pope’s visit aims to show how small states can uphold traditional Catholic values on the sanctity of all human life, especially in times of war.
The visit aimed to highlight the role of small states like Monaco and the Holy See in upholding traditional Catholic values, especially during times of war.
The Vatican sees diplomatic value in working closely with Monaco, where Catholicism is the state religion.
HOW:
The pontiff was welcomed with a ceremonial cannon salute and foghorns from boats in the marina.
Pope Leo XIV traveled to Monaco on an Italian military helicopter.
Pope Leo XIV traveled to Monaco by helicopter from the Vatican.
The pontiff was welcomed by Prince Albert and Princess Charlene at the heliport, where a cannon boomed to mark his arrival.
(UPDATED March 28, 2026 19:08 UTC)
Pope Leo XIV urged Monaco's residents to reject the “idolatry of power and money” that fuels wars around the world during his visit, emphasizing the need for peace and the importance of seeing others as brothers and sisters. In a public Mass at the national stadium, he stated that today’s wars, stained with blood, are the fruit of this idolatry and called on the community to put their prosperity at the service of law and justice. The pontiff was welcomed with a ceremonial cannon salute and foghorns from boats in the marina, highlighting how small states like Monaco and the Holy See can wield significant influence on the global stage, especially in times of conflict.
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(UPDATED March 28, 2026 13:17 UTC)
Pope Leo XIV visited Monaco on an Italian military helicopter to highlight the role of small states in upholding traditional Catholic values, particularly regarding the sanctity of human life during times of war. During the visit, Anne Boggio, CEO of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, noted that the foundation, which was established nearly 14 years ago, ran 82 projects worldwide in 2025. Cardinal Pietro Parolin emphasized that these small states could serve as a moral bulwark against authoritarian tendencies on the global stage.
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(UPDATED March 28, 2026 11:05 UTC)
Pope Leo XIV made his first foreign trip of 2026 to Monaco on Saturday, marking the first papal visit to the principality in modern times since Pope Paul III in 1538. During his nine-hour stay, the pontiff met privately with Prince Albert and Princess Charlene, engaged with Monaco’s Catholic community, and celebrated a public Mass at the national stadium, encouraging the people to use their faith and wealth for good. The visit, which began at the Monaco heliport with a ceremonial cannon salute, aimed to emphasize the importance of small states like Monaco and the Holy See in promoting traditional Catholic values, particularly in challenging times.