Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco were among the many world leaders and dignitaries present in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, May 18, for the inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV…
The ceremony marked the formal start of the 267th pontificate and was witnessed by thousands of faithful gathered under the spring Roman sun.
Arriving in the white Popemobile, Pope Leo XIV greeted the crowds before receiving two ancient symbols of his office: the Ring of the Fisherman, evoking the legacy of Saint Peter, and the pallium, a strip of lambswool that represents his pastoral mission. During his homily, the newly elected Pope addressed the faithful with humility, declaring that he approaches them “with fear and trembling, as a brother,” and called for unity within the Church.
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene had the opportunity to greet the new pontiff following the mass, reaffirming the strong ties between Monaco and the Holy See. Concluding the ceremony with a heartfelt prayer, Pope Leo XIV expressed his deep concern for the ongoing war in Ukraine, urging for negotiations to achieve a “just and lasting peace.”
Image: @palaisprincierdemonaco
