Vatican City: A one day visit by Pope Leo XIV to the Principality of Monaco is under consideration, the Holy See Press Office said on Tuesday. If confirmed, the visit would take place at the end of March and would mark the second foreign journey of his pontificate.
The proposed trip would also be historic, as it would be the first visit by a Pope to Monaco in the modern era. The Holy See clarified that discussions are ongoing and that no final confirmation has yet been made.
Pope Leo XIV has already shown a strong interest in international outreach. His first journey outside Italy took place from November 27 to December 2, 2025, when he visited Turkey and Lebanon. During his return flight, he spoke about possible future visits, including Algeria, where he hopes to visit places linked to Saint Augustine and promote dialogue between Christians and Muslims. He also expressed a desire to travel to Latin America, mentioning Argentina, Uruguay and Peru, where he previously served as a missionary and later as a bishop.
Interest in Monaco comes shortly after a high level Vatican meeting. On January 17, Pope Leo XIV received Prince Albert II in audience at the Vatican. According to the Holy See Press Office, the talks highlighted the strong bilateral relations between the Holy See and Monaco and the role of the Catholic Church in the social life of the Principality.
Further discussions were held with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations. These meetings focused on shared concerns such as environmental protection, humanitarian work and the promotion of human dignity. International issues were also addressed, with special attention given to peace and security.
If the visit is confirmed, it would underline the Pope’s growing diplomatic and pastoral engagement early in his pontificate and place Monaco on the map of historic papal destinations.