Pope Leo visits a tiny, wealthy, devoutly Catholic nation in first foreign trip of 2026
CNN • • general
Key Points:
- Pope Leo XIV made history as the first pope to visit Monaco in modern times, arriving by helicopter and meeting privately with Prince Albert and Princess Charlene at the prince’s palace.
- The visit highlights the deep ties between the Vatican and Monaco, a Catholic principality with shared diplomatic interests and personal connections, including Prince Albert’s American heritage through his mother, Grace Kelly.
- Pope Leo emphasized the importance of using Monaco’s prosperity to promote law, justice, and peace amid global challenges like oppression and the weakening of international law.
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin underscored the moral role small states like Monaco can play in defending multilateralism, environmental protection, and opposing abortion, aligning with Vatican priorities.
- The pope’s itinerary includes meetings with the Catholic community and a public Mass, but notably excludes Monaco’s casinos, reflecting Leo’s personal renunciation of gambling after his missionary work in Peru.
