Pope Leo XIV makes his first apostolic journey of 2026 this Saturday, March 28, the second of his pontificate, with a visit to the Principality of Monaco where, in addition to a courtesy meeting with the authorities, he will also meet with the Catholic community, young people and catechumens, and preside over the Eucharist.

The Holy See Press Office reported in its first bulletin of the day that “this morning the second apostolic journey of Pope Leo XIV began, heading to the Principality of Monaco. At 7:05 a.m., the Holy Father traveled by car to the Vatican City heliport, from where, at 7:22 a.m., he departed for Monaco. His arrival at the Monaco heliport is scheduled for 9:00 a.m.”

Upon leaving Italian territory, the Holy Father Leo XIV sent the following telegram to the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella: “On the occasion of my apostolic journey to the Principality of Monaco, wishing to encourage you in your Christian witness and in the building of the common good, I am pleased to address to you, Mr. President, my cordial greetings, which I accompany with fervent wishes for spiritual, civil and social progress for the Italian nation.”

And during the flight to Monaco, while flying over France, the Holy Father Leo XIV sent the Head of State of the French Republic the following telegram: “While flying over France during my apostolic journey to the Principality of Monaco, I send my most cordial greetings to Your Excellency and your fellow citizens, along with the assurance of my prayers for the peace and prosperity of the nation.”

Upon his arrival, the Holy Father was received by Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene. After a 21-gun salute, the honor guard, and the presentation of the respective delegations in the helipad lobby, the Pope proceeded to the Hall of Honor, while the Prince and Princess went to the Prince’s Palace.

The motto chosen by the local Church for the occasion is taken from the Gospel of John: “Je suis le Chemin, la Verité et la Vie” — “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (Jn 14:6). This is intended to promote the proclamation of the Gospel through the visit of the Vicar of Christ.

Among the main activities on the Pope’s agenda in Monaco are:

– the courtesy visit to the Prince’s Palace of Monaco at 9:40;

– the meeting with the Catholic community at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 11:00;

– the meeting with the young people and catechumens in the area in front of the church of Saint Devota;

– and the celebration of Holy Mass at the Louis II Stadium at 3:30 p.m.

After the official farewell, the Pope will return to Vatican City at 5:45 p.m.