Monaco is preparing for a moment of rare historical significance as it gets ready to welcome Pope Leo XIV on March 28, 2026…
Remarkably, only one pope has ever visited the Principality, Pope Paul III, who stopped briefly in 1538 while travelling to Nice for diplomatic talks between Emperor Charles V and King Francis I. More than four centuries later, this upcoming visit will mark only the second time a reigning pontiff has set foot in Monaco.
While other papal figures have passed nearby or through unusual circumstances, such as the antipope Benedict XIII during the Western Schism, or the remains of Pope Pius VI stopping in 1802, none of these are considered official visits. Likewise, modern popes including John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis never visited the Principality, making this event all the more significant.
Excitement is already building amongst residents. Large crowds gathered this week at the Espace Léo Ferré for the distribution of access bracelets and Mass tickets. Around 2,500 bracelets were made available for entry to the Place du Palais, where HSH Prince Albert II and the Pope will greet the public from the Palace balcony.
Tickets for the Mass at Stade Louis II proved equally sought after, selling out online within minutes. While access to the Palace Square will be reserved for Monegasques and residents, the wider public will still be able to see the Pope as he travels through the Principality in the Popemobile.
For Monaco, this is not just a visit, but a once-in-a-generation moment.
Image: Official Papal visit logo