Monaco will be Pope Leo XIV’s first international destination since his Apostolic Journey to Turkey and Lebanon in November. It will also mark the first time a pope has visited the Mediterranean principality, which—besides the Vatican—is the smallest country in the world. But what is it about this mini state that caught Pope Leo's attention?
First, religion. Along with Malta, it is the only European country that enshrines Catholicism as the official religion in its constitution. Over 90% of the population is Catholic, including the royal family.
The women of Monaco's royal house have the privilege of wearing white before the pope because of this, which is why we have sen Princess Charlene dressed as such during her visits to the Vatican.
This privilege is part of the long-standing relationship between the principality and the papacy. Historically, Monaco sought the support of the popes, and, as heads of Catholic states, Pope Leo and Prince Albert also share common beliefs:
The Holy Father and Prince Albert II share numerous commitments: special attention to respecting human life from its beginning to its end; concern for integral ecology and the preservation of the “common home”; as well as a shared passion for sport and what it represents for humanity.
Monaco was set to pass a law legalizing abortion this past November, for example, but Prince Albert, exercising his sovereign authority, refused to sign the bill, citing the country’s Catholic identity—and therefore adherence to Catholic teaching.
Prince Albert and the pope recently had their second face-to-face meeting. The prince traveled to the Vatican on January 17, where he formally invited Pope Leo to visit his country. The two states have maintained diplomatic relations since 1981, so the visit coincides with the 45th year of official relations.
The Principality of Monaco is also known worldwide for its luxury hotels, high-end cars, and world class racing track. It ranks as the richest country in the world in terms of GDP per capita. According to official data, each resident generates nearly €100,000 in wealth over the course of a year.
Some final detail of note, the two states share two interesting links: Pope Leo XIII established the Catholic Diocese of Monaco in 1887, and now his predecessor Pope Leo XIV will become the first pontiff to visit the smallest state in the world—that is, after the Vatican of course.
