The Holy Father touched down at 9am, welcomed by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène as 21 cannon shots rang out from Fort Antoine.
The streets of the Rock were packed from early morning. From the minute security opened up the barriers for security checks, lines were already tracing multiple metres, with crowds quickly taking up every corner of the route the Pontiff would later travel.
A formal welcome ceremony then took place as soon as the Pope entered the Palace in the Cour d’Honneur, with Prince Albert II, Princess Charlène, Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella waiting to greet the Holy Father.
During this official ceremony military honours were rendered before Prince Albert II and Pope Leo XIV reviewed the detachment together.
The day’s most anticipated and heartfelt moment arrived when the Pope and the Princely family stepped out onto the Palace balcony together, met with a wave of cheering from the thousands packed in the square below.
A blessing like no other
The Pope then departed the Princely Palace in his popemobile, travelling through the Principality’s narrow streets as he greeted families and offered blessings to newborns. For many in Monaco, witnessing the Pope in person for the first – and perhaps only – time was an extraordinary experience, one that will remain with them for years to come.
The Pope then proceeded to enter Monaco’s Cathedral for the scheduled procession, presiding over the Liturgy of the Hours before visiting the Chapel of Saint-DĂ©vote, where he prayed before the relics of Monaco’s patron saint and met with catechumens and young people.
The day closed at the Stade Louis II, transformed for the occasion and filled to capacity, where Pope Leo XIV celebrated the Pontifical Mass on the eve of Palm Sunday in the presence of the Princely Family.
Wrapping up this unique day, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène accompanied the Pope back to the heliport, from where he returned to the Vatican.
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Main photo credit: MichaĂ«l Alesi / FrĂ©dĂ©ric Nebinger / Sarah Steck / GaĂ«tan Luci, Prince’s Palace
More photos can be found in the gallery below: (credit: MichaĂ«l Alesi / FrĂ©dĂ©ric Nebinger / Sarah Steck / GaĂ«tan Luci, Prince’s Palace)
