Monaco paid tribute to its police forces on Wednesday morning with a solemn Mass in honour of Saint Georges, the patron saint of public safety, held at the historic Église Sainte-Dévote.

The annual ceremony, held on 23rd April, brought together senior Monegasque authorities, French institutional representatives, and members of the public. Among those in attendance was Charlotte Casiraghi, godmother of the Sûreté Publique, whose presence underscored the importance of the occasion.

The service began with an address by Éric Arella, Controller in charge of the Direction de la Sûreté Publique, who welcomed attendees and reaffirmed the symbolic significance of Saint-Georges Day for Monaco’s law enforcement.

The Mass was co-celebrated by Archbishop Dominique-Marie David and Abbé Julien Gollino, Chaplain of the Sûreté Publique. Their shared officiation reflected the unity between the Church and Monaco’s public institutions in support of those who serve and protect.

At the conclusion of the Mass, the Police Officer’s Prayer, composed in 2022 for the 120th anniversary of the Sûreté Publique, was read aloud by a police officer. The text honours the values of courage, duty, and service that Saint Georges represents and that Monaco’s police embody in their daily work.

The Saint-Georges celebration remains a deeply symbolic moment for the Principality, offering an opportunity each year to express gratitude to its law enforcement personnel and reflect on the enduring principles of protection and bravery that define their mission.

Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.