Pope Leo XIV called on Monaco’s citizens to remember the poor and defend every human life during his first papal visit to the principality in modern history, according to remarks delivered March 28 from the balcony of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco.
The visit marks a significant moment for both Monaco and the Catholic Church, as Pope Leo became the first pope in modern times to travel to this Mediterranean state. His message focused on urging those with influence in economic and financial spheres not to forget their responsibility toward society’s most vulnerable. “Within your community, many people hold positions of considerable influence in the economic and financial spheres,” Pope Leo said. He added that Jesus’ teachings challenge “the unjust configurations of power — those structures of sin that create chasms between the poor and the rich, between the privileged and the discarded.”
During his address alongside Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, Pope Leo highlighted Monaco’s status as one of few countries with Roman Catholicism as its official state religion. He urged Monégasque Catholics to deepen their commitment “to protecting every human life” and uphold social doctrine: “This faith places us before the sovereignty of Jesus, who calls Christians… always ready to protect every human life with love, at any time and in any condition.” School children waved flags as he traveled through city streets by popemobile.
At midday prayer in Monaco’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception—a site containing royal tombs including that of Princess Grace Kelly—Pope Leo encouraged local Catholics: “Bring the light of Gospel to everyone so that… every man and woman may be defended… from conception until natural death.” Catherine Sassi, a local resident attending prayer with her family, described it as an unforgettable day.
Later at St. Devota Church—the city’s cherished chapel—he met young people preparing for sacraments. Drawing on examples like St. Devota and millennial saint Carlo Acutis, he told youth: “Monaco is a beautiful country, but its true beauty comes from you… when you are able to look into eyes of those who suffer or feel invisible amid city lights.” The pope also celebrated Mass at Louis II Stadium before about 15,000 faithful.
In his homily at Mass, Pope Leo appealed for peace: “Every life cut short wounds body of Christ… Peace is not merely a balance of power; it is work of purified hearts.” Archbishop Dominique-Marie David thanked him after Communion for affirming how “the Gospel… can still give taste and meaning” today.
The pope departed by helicopter late afternoon for Vatican City ahead of Holy Week events.
