Pope Leo XIV to make historic Monaco visit with palace reception and mass at Stade Louis II on March 28th
Monaco is preparing for a landmark day on Saturday, March 28th as The Holy Father Pope Leo XIV makes an official apostolic visit to the Principality, combining state ceremony, public appearances and a major mass at Stade Louis II.
For visitors, this visit promises to be one of the highlights of the year, with several gatherings open to the public.
The visit will carry unusual historical weight. According to Vatican and Monaco coverage, this is the first modern papal visit to the Principality, placing Monaco at the center of a rare diplomatic and religious moment just weeks into the spring calendar.
Vatican News has framed the journey as a roughly nine-hour visit focused on the Princely Family, the Catholic community, young people and catechumens.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, was elected on May 8, 2025 and is the 267th pope of the Catholic Church. He is also the first American-born pontiff and the first pope from the Order of Saint Augustine, bringing an international profile that has quickly become central to his early papacy.
The official programme released by the Holy See begins with The Holy Father’s helicopter departure from the Vatican at 7:00am and arrival at Monaco Heliport at 9:00am.
The Holy Father is then due to take part in an official welcome at the Prince’s Palace at 9:25am, followed by a courtesy visit with Prince Albert II at 9:40am.
At 11:00am, His Holiness will meet the Catholic community at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, before meeting young people and catechumens outside Sainte-Dévote Church at 11:45am.
The day’s main public event, Holy Mass at Stade Louis II, is scheduled for 3:30pm. The official farewell is set for 5:35pm, with departure from Monaco at 5:45pm.
That schedule is slightly different from some early summaries, which listed broader time blocks.
Morning
- 9:25 am – Official welcome at the Prince’s Palace
The Pope will be officially received by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene. - 9:40 am – Courtesy visit to H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene and family will have a private meeting with the Pope for official photos. - 11:00 am – Prayer service at Monaco Cathedral
A liturgical celebration will take place in the presence of representatives of the Principality’s Catholic community. - 11:40 am – Meeting at Sainte-Dévote Church
The Pope will meet young people and catechumens for a moment of prayer and exchange.
Afternoon
- 3:30 pm – Public mass at Stade Louis II
The highlight of the day, open to registered participants, bringing together residents, pilgrims and officials for a major celebration.
Evening
- 5:45 pm – Departure from Monaco (Heliport)
Pope Leo XIV will leave the Principality at the end of the day.
For Monaco, the visit is more than ceremony. It underlines the Principality’s long-standing ties with the Holy See while offering residents and visitors a rare chance to witness a papal visit unfold in person.
Follow the Monaco Diocese web page for latest details.
