Pope Leo XIV begins his first European Apostolic journey of 2026 with a visit to Monaco on March 28. Vatican News reported that the trip begins with a courtesy meeting with Albert II, Prince of Monaco and the royal family at the Prince’s Palace, followed by encounters with the Catholic community and with young people and catechumens.
According to the Holy See Press Office, the Pope is to preside over Mass at Stade Louis II, where AS Monaco plays its home matches, concluding the nine-hour journey. The motto of the event, drawn from John 14:6, highlights Christ’s words: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
Dominique-Marie David stated that the journey aims to reaffirm the centuries-old ties between the Grimaldi family and the Holy See. He added that the papal trip also highlights shared commitments to human life, ecological responsibility and sport. Prince Albert II previously described the upcoming visit as a sign of hope and dialogue.
Vatican News also noted that the Pope departs from the Monaco heliport at 5:45 p.m. after a farewell ceremony and returns to Rome later that evening. The official logo features the Pope giving a blessing alongside the tower of the Prince’s Palace, with the colours of the Vatican and Monaco.