Leo traveled to Monaco from the Vatican by helicopter and was welcomed by Prince Albert and Princess Charlene and began his visit with a private meeting at the prince’s palace. A crowd waving Monaco and Vatican flags and children wearing yellow hats waited for him. There is also a personal dimension: the first US-born pope and Prince Albert share American connections given Prince Albert of Monaco’s mother, the Hollywood actress Grace Kelly, married Prince Rainier III in 1956. Leo urged Monaco’s wealthy residents “to put your prosperity at the service of law and justice” in a speech outside Albert’s residence. (From left) Crown Princess Gabriella, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Pope Leo XIV, Prince Albert II of Monaco, and Crown Prince Jacques wave from the Gallery of Hercules balcony at the Prince’s Palace in Monaco on Sunday.

Source: Egypt Independent March 29, 2026 13:24 UTC