"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
Pope Leo XIVmade a very historic, one-day tripover the weekend. The pontiff traveled by helicopter from Vatican City toMonaco, marking the first papal visit to Principality in the modern era. It also marked the second international journey of his pontificate after visitingTurkey and Lebanon last December. Vatican City and Monaco hold the distinction of being the world's smallest and second-smallest states, respectively.
The last papal presence in Monaco dates back to 1802, according toMonaco Life. That was the cortège of the deceasedPope Pius VIpassing through from France back to the Vatican. Roman Catholicism is Monaco's official state religion, with approximately 90% of the population identifying as Catholic, according tothe U.S. State Department.
Pope Leohad a packed scheduleafter making the 430-mile flight, starting with an official welcome at the Monaco Heliport and a ceremony outside the Prince's Palace of Monaco. The Pope later addressed Monaco's Catholic community at the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate, previously known as the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas. Consecrated in 1911 under the principality of Albert I on the site of a parish church dating to 1252, the cathedral contains the tombs ofMonaco's royal family, including both of Prince Albert's parents, Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. Theroyal couple were also married there, as it is the main church of the Monégasque archdiocese, in 1956.
Here, see all the best photos of Monaco's royal family during Pope Leo's visit to the Principality on Saturday:
Pope Leo XIV aboard the helicopter as he arrives in Monaco.
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene welcome Pope Leo, thefirst American-born pontiff, at the Monaco Heliport.Read more
Princess Gabriella, the daughter of Albert and Charlene's daughter and second in the line of succession to the Monégasque throne after her brother Jacques, greets the Pope.
Members of the Grimaldi family stand outside of the Prince's Palace for Pope Leo's welcome ceremony. From left:Princess Caroline of Hanover,Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, Charlotte Casiraghi, Pierre Casiraghi, Louis Ducruet, Marie Chevallier, andCamille Gottlieb.
Pierre Casiraghi, the son of Princess Caroline of Hanover, and his wifeBeatrice Borromeo, wearing a matching skirt suit set by Dior, are seen leaving the welcome ceremony.
Princess Caroline's daughterCharlotte Casiraghi,dressed in head-to-toe Chanel, departs the welcome ceremony.
Louis Ducruet,the son of Princess Stéphanie, and his wife Marie, are seen during the festivities.
Advertisement
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene had a private audience with Pope Leo at the Prince's Palace, where they had a discussion described to be centered onenvironmental and humanitarian commitments.
Pope Leo signs the book of honor during his visit. A portrait of Prince Albert's mother, Princess Grace, hangs behind them.
Pope Leo gave a speech from the balcony of the Prince's Palace, the official residence of the sovereign prince of Monaco.
The royal family and Pope Leo look out on the crowd gathered in the plaza outside of the palace, located on a rocky promontory known as Le Rocher (The Rock).
The Pope, in the "Popemobile," outside of Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate, previously known as the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas. It is an important site for Monaco's Catholic community and the Grimaldi family, being the site of numerous royal weddings.
Princess Charlene, wearing a bespoke Elie Saab dress and coat with a white veil, waits with Prince Albert to greet the Pope outside of the cathedral.
The Grimaldi family later regrouped at Stade Louis II for the final event, a mass presided over by Pope Leo.
A closer look at Princess Charlene's white veil, as well asher favorite Fendi sunglasses.
Beatrice, Pierre, and Charlotte seen at Stade Louis II, the arena named for the Grimaldi prince who reigned from 1922 to 1949. It was inaugurated in 1985 by Prince Rainier.
Prince Albert, Princess Stéphanie, and Princess Caroline—the three children of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier—gather for a rare joint appearance.
The Pope is seen departing Monaco after the mass via helicopter.
You Might Also Like