Monaco City: The Catholic Church in Monaco is preparing to welcome Pope Leo XIV with great joy and expectation as the Principality gets ready for a historic papal visit on March 28, the eve of Palm Sunday. Civil and Church leaders have described the visit as a significant moment for the small Mediterranean state.
In statements released on February 25, the Prince’s Palace and the Archdiocese of Monaco confirmed that the Holy Father will make a one day visit to “the Rock,” marking the first time a reigning Pope will visit Monaco.
Prince Albert II extended the invitation during a private audience at the Vatican on January 17. Authorities say the visit reflects the deep spiritual and historical ties between Monaco and the Successors of Saint Peter.
The Archdiocese noted the centuries long attachment of the Princely Family and the people of Monaco to the papacy. It also highlighted shared concerns between the Holy See and the Principality, including the protection of human life, care for the environment, and the social value of sport.
The visit underscores longstanding relations between Monaco and the Holy See. The Grimaldi family has ruled Monaco since 1297, maintaining close ties with the Vatican. Formal diplomatic relations began in 1887 when Pope Leo XIII established the Diocese of Monaco, placing it directly under the Holy See.
These ties were strengthened in 2021 when Cardinal Pietro Parolin visited Monaco to mark the 40th anniversary of the agreement that elevated the diocese to an archdiocese. In 2027, the Archdiocese will mark 140 years since its establishment and also commemorate 780 years since the first parish was founded on the Rock in 1247.
Monaco remains one of the few European countries where Catholicism is the state religion. Although the 1962 constitution guarantees freedom of worship for its population of more than 38,000 people, the Church continues to play a central role in national life.
Officials say the Pope’s visit is expected to bring a message of hope, dialogue and peace. The detailed programme for the apostolic journey is expected to be announced soon.