Ahead of the forthcoming Apostolic Visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to the Principality of Monaco on Saturday, March 28th, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco has given a rare interview addressing the significance of the visit, the role of Roman Catholicism within the Monégasque state, and the balance between faith and public responsibility.

Speaking to the French publication La Croix, the Sovereign Prince described the anticipated visit as both an honor and a moment of historic importance for Monaco. He noted that the invitation had been extended only recently, making the confirmation of the visit all the more significant for the Principality and its population.

The Constitution de la Principauté de Monaco, adopted on December 17th, 1962, states that Roman Catholicism is the state religion, placing the Principality among the small number of European countries where Catholicism retains formal constitutional recognition. 

In the interview, the Sovereign Prince emphasized that the faith continues to shape national traditions, public ceremonies, and institutional dialogue, including regular exchanges with the Archbishop of Monaco, Monsignor Dominique-Marie David, on matters such as education and bioethics.

He also addressed the role of his personal faith, describing it as a central element of his identity and a guiding influence in his approach to leadership. While noting that faith does not provide simple answers to complex policy questions, he indicated that it informs a broader sense of responsibility, particularly in striving to ensure that decisions are not only effective but also just and grounded in respect for others.

In addressing contemporary societal issues, including questions of bioethics, he acknowledged the need to balance moral considerations with the responsibilities of governance. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding both human dignity and the natural environment, framing these concerns as interconnected rather than separate.

The interview further addressed the Principality’s international role, particularly in humanitarian and charitable initiatives. While Monaco is often associated with wealth, the Sovereign Prince highlighted the importance of how resources are used, pointing to the country’s contributions to international cooperation and assistance efforts. He noted that this dimension of Monaco’s identity is often less visible, in part due to a cultural preference for discretion.

On the broader relationship between wealth and faith, the Sovereign Prince acknowledged that tensions can arise, but described them as constructive rather than contradictory. He suggested that such challenges can reinforce a sense of ethical responsibility, particularly in ensuring that prosperity is accompanied by solidarity and a commitment to the common good.

The Apostolic Visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV is expected to further highlight these themes, marking a significant moment in the contemporary history of the Principality of Monaco.

Official Program Schedule:

The Apostolic Visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV will follow a structured program across the Principality of Monaco on Saturday, March 28th, beginning at 8:50 a.m. with the arrival of His Holiness at the Monaco Heliport.

At 9:00 a.m., an official welcome ceremony will take place at the Place du Palais, where His Holiness will be received by Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco. This will be followed by a private audience and official exchanges at the Palais Princier de Monaco.

At 10:00 a.m., the Sovereign Prince will deliver a formal address from the balcony of the Palais Princier, followed by remarks and an Apostolic Blessing imparted by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to those gathered at the Place du Palais.

At 11:00 a.m., His Holiness will preside over the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours at the Cathédrale de Monaco in the quartier of Monaco-Ville, including the delivery of a homily. This will be followed at 11:45 a.m. by a meeting with young people and catechumens at the Église Sainte-Dévote in the quartier of La Condamine, which will include a moment of prayer and an address by His Holiness.

The Apostolic Visit will conclude with the celebration of a pontifical Mass at 3:00 p.m. at the Stade Louis-II in the quartier of Fontvieille, observed according to the liturgy for the Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent.

Live coverage of the Apostolic Visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV will be available across several official and religious broadcasters.

In France, the Catholic television network KTO Télévision Catholique will provide comprehensive coverage of the visit, including the arrival of His Holiness in the Principality.

In Monaco, full coverage of the Apostolic Visit, from the arrival at the Monaco Heliport to the departure of His Holiness, will be carried by the official state broadcaster, Monaco Info, as well as the public broadcaster, TVMonaco.

These broadcasts will be available via their respective digital platforms, including YouTube, where international audiences will be able to follow the visit in real time.

Links to the official YouTube channels of KTO Télévision Catholique, Monaco Info, and TVMonaco are provided below.

Official Broadcast Links:

KTO Télévision Catholique
Monaco Info (state broadcaster)
TV Monaco TV Monaco (second link)

International Broadcast Times (Arrival at 8:50 a.m. Monaco Time):

London: 7:50 a.m.

New York: 2:50 a.m.

Los Angeles: 11:50 p.m. (March 27)

Tokyo: 3:50 p.m.

Sydney: 5:50 p.m.

For local broadcast times in additional regions, a standard time zone converter, such as timeanddate.com, may be used.