About the visit

On Saturday 28 March 2026, the Principality of Monaco is set to experience a unique moment in its history: the visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, at the official invitation of Prince Albert II and the Archbishop of Monaco, Monsignor Dominique-Marie David.

This one-day apostolic visit marks the first time a Supreme Pontiff has made an official visit to Monaco since the beginning of modern apostolic journeys, which began in the 1960s.

The top left of the logo features a black-and-white image of the Holy Father, smiling and giving his blessing, wearing liturgical vestments, a mitre and the papal crozier, to convey the spiritual and pastoral dimension of the visit; on the right is a stylised depiction of the tower of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, symbolising the Principality’s identity and sovereignty. The tower is entirely light yellow in colour, so that the entire upper section, viewed as a whole, recalls the Vatican flag.

The lower part is entirely occupied by the inscription announcing the Journey, in particular the name “Leo XIV”, placed in the centre in a block-style font, and by the word “Monaco”, which stands out in the bright red of the national flag and the coat of arms of the Principality.

At the bottom is the motto: “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” (Jn 14:6), which shows that the Pope acts as the spokesperson for Christ himself and his message.
Overall, the logo highlights the figure of the Pope and his apostolic mission, in keeping with the welcome extended by the Principality, where Catholicism is the state religion.

Monaco and the Holy See share strong historical ties, both spiritual and diplomatic.

• Catholicism is the state religion in the Principality and forms part of Monaco’s identity.
• Official diplomatic relations between Monaco and the Holy See date back to 1887, when Pope Leo XIII elevated the territory of Monaco to the status of a diocese directly subject to the Vatican.
• In 2021, the Vatican’s Cardinal Secretary of State paid an official visit to Monaco to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the bilateral agreement between the two states.

These milestones demonstrate the religious and institutional significance of the bond between Monaco and the popes.

Although no pope has yet visited Monaco in the modern era, certain pontiffs have had historical ties with the Rock:

• Pope Clement VII is recorded as having visited Monaco in the 16th century (around 1532), long before the establishment of modern apostolic journeys.
• Since the elevation of the Diocese of Monaco in 1887, numerous popes have maintained links with the Principality through audiences, the appointment of bishops or diplomatic meetings, but none had actually visited the Rock until now.

Pope Leo XIV’s visit therefore opens a new chapter in the spiritual and diplomatic history between Monaco and the Catholic Church.

The Catholic presence in Monaco dates back more than 780 years:

• It was in 1247, through a papal bull issued by Pope Innocent IV, that the first parish was recognised on the Rock.
• Since then, the Catholic faith has played a major role in the cultural and social life of the Principality, eventually becoming the official religion under the 1962 Constitution.

Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Monaco also forms part of the international agenda of his 2026 Pontificate: following an initial tour of Turkey and Lebanon in 2025, Monaco represents a symbolic stopover ahead of further visits to Africa and Spain scheduled for this year.

For the Principality, this visit represents:

• A sign of spiritual and institutional dialogue with the Vatican 
• A major milestone for the Monegasque Catholic community
• An opportunity to strengthen the historic ties between two of the world’s smallest states, yet rich in history and tradition.

On the occasion of the visit of Pope Leo XIV on 28 March 2026, the Principality of Monaco is issuing a unique commemorative stamp. Printed in 42,000 copies, it celebrates this first contemporary apostolic visit to Monaco and highlights the historical ties between the Grimaldi family and the Holy See.

“First day” availability:

• Museum of Stamps and Coins of Monaco
• Special sales point at Place de la Mairie, Monaco-Ville
• Special sales point near Stade Louis II (corner of Avenue des Castelans / Rue de l’Industrie)

The stamp will then be available for sale in all post offices, philatelic counters and from Monégasque dealers.

To mark Pope Leo XIV’s visit, official commemorative items are on sale at two pop-up stalls set up in the Principality, at Place du Canton and Place de la Mairie. There you will find a selection of souvenirs from the event, including a unique commemorative stamp, to serve as a memento of this historic day.