Updated on March 19, 2026
Monaco is preparing to welcome Pope Leo XIV for an apostolic visit on Saturday, March 28.
According to the Princely Palace, this visit represents “a historic occasion for Monaco” and “a powerful sign of hope,” reflecting the enduring ties that have long united the Grimaldi dynasty with the Successors of Saint Peter.
In a State where Catholicism is enshrined in the Constitution, the visit also reaffirms a heritage described by the Palace as “a fundamental pillar of its identity, its unity, and the continuity of its institutions.”
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A day “marked by both official engagements and spiritual moments”
The programme has been designed as “a day marked by both official engagements and spiritual moments.”
Pope Leo XIV is expected to arrive from the Vatican by helicopter, where he will be welcomed by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène.
Upon setting foot on Monegasque soil, a 21-gun salute will be fired. (Such a tribute has not been seen since the birth of Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella in 2014, reflecting Monaco’s traditional expression of celebration and respect.)
At 9 a.m., the Sovereign Pontiff will then travel by car to the Prince’s Palace. In the Cour d’Honneur, the ceremonial arrangements will mirror those of a state visit—the highest level of protocol.
A private audience is scheduled between Prince Albert II and Pope Leo XIV, with Princess Charlène joining at the time of the exchange of gifts.
The crowd gathered in the Palace Square will then have the opportunity to see the two Sovereigns appear on the balcony, where they will address the Monegasques and residents who registered during the week of March 16 to gain access to the square.
Pope Leo XIV will then depart from the Prince’s Palace in the “popemobile” for a walkabout among the public. His first stop will be the Cathedral for a moment of prayer. The papal procession will then continue to the Church of Sainte-Dévote for a second time of reflection with young people and catechumens, followed by an address delivered on the forecourt around midday.
Along the route—particularly at Port Hercule—the faithful will be invited to greet the Pope. Giant screens installed in Palace Square and in front of the Church of Sainte-Dévote will broadcast the events live.
Following a lunch at the Archbishop’s Palace alongside Archbishop Dominique-Marie David, a public pontifical Mass will be celebrated by Pope Leo XIV in the presence of the Princely Family, as well as civil and religious authorities. The Mass will begin at 3:30 p.m. at the Stade Louis II, where giant screens will also be installed.
Who will be able to see the Pope?
On Saturday morning, access to Palace Square will be strictly reserved for Monegasques and residents, between 7:00 and 8:30 a.m., upon presentation of valid identification and a wristband. Wristbands must be collected at the Espace Léo Ferré on March 16 and 17 for Monegasques and their spouses, and from March 18 to 20 for residents.
For the Mass at Stade Louis II, seated areas on the pitch will be reserved for Monegasques and residents, subject to availability. Gates will open at 12:30 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to arrive before 2:00 p.m. Tickets (non-assigned seating) must be collected at the Espace Léo Ferré at the same time as the Palace Square wristbands. Tickets are non-transferable. All students (from Year 5 / CM1 onwards) enrolled in schools in Monaco may register directly through their school.
The first apostolic visit of a Pope to Monaco in modern times
While Pope Paul III was received on the Rock in 1538, Pope Leo XIV’s visit marks the first apostolic journey by a Pope to Monaco in modern times. March 28, 2026, is therefore set to be a historic date for the Principality of Monaco.
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