With Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic visit to Monaco just weeks away, the Princely Palace has revealed the full programme for Saturday 28th March, from the first cannon salute to the final helicopter lift off.
The Holy Father is set to arrive by helicopter, touching down at Monaco’s heliport at 9am, where Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène will be waiting to welcome him.
As he steps onto Monegasque soil, 21 cannon shots will ring out across the Principality to mark the historic day, an act that last took place back in 2014 to celebrate the birth of Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella.
From the heliport, he will be transported to the Princely Palace for the formal welcome ceremony, set to take place at 9:25am, followed by a private audience with Prince Albert II at 9:40am.
Princess Charlène will then join them for the exchange of gifts and at 10:10am, the Prince and the Pope will appear together on the Palace balcony to address the crowd gathered on the Palace Square.
Afterwards, the Pope will board the papamobile for a procession through the streets, a moment that is expected to be the most visually striking part of the day, with the public able to witness and approach the vehicle throughout the route.
Following the procession, the Pope will arrive at Monaco’s Cathedral at 11am, where once again he will be received by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène, this time accompanied by the Archbishop Dominique-Marie David for a meeting with the Catholic community.
He will then continue to the Church of Saint Dévote at 11:45am for an encounter with young people and catechumens (those preparing to enter the Catholic faith).
The Stade Louis II pontifical mass
After a lunch break, the main event arrives: a pontifical mass at the Stade Louis II, set to kick off at 3:30pm.
The stadium will be transformed into a true place of worship, with Prince Albert II, Princess Charlène and civil and religious authorities in attendance alongside the faithful. Entry to the mass is free, with registration details to be announced shortly.
Pope Leo XIV is expected to depart for the Vatican at 5:35pm, in time to celebrate Palm Sunday mass the following morning, marking the beginning of Holy Week.
This is the first time a reigning pope has formally visited Monaco in the modern era. The last papal presence in the Principality dates back to 1802, and even then, it was the cortege of the deceased Pope Pius VI passing through. So, this upcoming visit on the 28th presents something genuinely without precedent.
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Main photo of Prince Albert II and Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican in January 2026, credit: Vatican Media