The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Leo XIV may undertake a brief one day visit to the Principality of Monaco at the end of March, marking what would be the second international journey of his Pontificate and the first papal visit to Monaco in modern history.
Responding to questions from journalists on February 10, the Holy See Press Office acknowledged that a possible trip is under consideration. While the end of March has been indicated as a tentative timeframe, officials stressed that final confirmation and scheduling details are still pending.
Sources in Monaco have indicated that an invitation was extended to the Pope, though the Monegasque authorities are awaiting formal confirmation from the Vatican before making any official announcement. Local reports suggest that while late March is being discussed, alternative dates later in the spring or early summer remain possible.
If the visit proceeds, it would carry symbolic significance. Pope Leo XIV, as Bishop of Rome and head of Vatican City State, would travel to the world’s second smallest sovereign state. The trip would also represent a historic milestone, as no pope in the modern era has made an official visit to the Principality.
The potential visit follows a meeting between Pope Leo XIV and Prince Albert II of Monaco at the Vatican on January 17. According to the Holy See, discussions during that encounter focused on areas of shared interest including environmental protection, humanitarian assistance and the defence and promotion of human dignity. Broader international developments and questions related to peace and security were also reportedly addressed.
Roman Catholicism is the official state religion of Monaco, and the majority of the population identifies as Catholic. A papal visit would therefore have both diplomatic and pastoral dimensions, reinforcing ties between the Holy See and the Principality while offering an opportunity for the local Catholic community to welcome the Pope.
The announcement regarding Monaco comes amid wider speculation about Pope Leo XIV’s travel plans for 2026. Several countries, including Spain, Angola, Algeria and Peru, have been mentioned in recent weeks as possible destinations. The Vatican has confirmed that the Pope will not travel to the United States this year.
Pope Leo’s first international trip outside Italy took place in late 2025, when he visited Turkey and Lebanon, emphasizing dialogue and regional stability. Since the beginning of his Pontificate, he has expressed openness to visiting countries with strong Catholic traditions as well as regions where interreligious dialogue plays a key role.
While no official program has yet been released for the potential Monaco visit, observers note that such a trip would likely include meetings with civil authorities and a public liturgical celebration. For now, both Vatican and Monaco officials await final confirmation as preparations continue.
