Pope Leo XIV addressed the Catholic community of the Principality of Monaco on March 28, 2026, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, during his apostolic visit.

In his address, the Pope began by quoting the words of the apostle John: “Before God and in the presence of God we have an advocate: Jesus Christ, the righteous one (cf. 1 Jn 2:1-2). With these words, the apostle John helps us to grasp the mystery of salvation.”

“Christ is the dynamic center, the heart of our faith, and it is from this centrality that I would like to address you,” the Pope said, speaking to the priests, religious men and women present.

The gift of communion

Reflecting on the gift of communion, Pope Leo XIV explained that “Jesus Christ, the righteous one, interceding for humanity before the Father, reconciles us with Him and with one another. He does not come to carry out a condemning judgment, but to offer everyone His mercy which purifies, heals, transforms, and makes us part of the one family of God.”

He added that “this communion is the preeminent sign of the Church, called to be in the world a reflection of God’s love, which shows no partiality (cf. Acts 10:34).” In this regard, he highlighted the richness of the Church in Monaco: “being a place, a reality where everyone finds welcome and hospitality, in that social and cultural mix that is a typical characteristic of you.”

The Pope urged that the cosmopolitan reality of the small state and the socio-economic differences not become in the Church “an occasion for division into social classes; on the contrary, all are welcomed as persons and children of God, and all are recipients of a gift of grace that promotes communion, fraternity and mutual love.”

The proclamation of the Gospel in defense of man

The Pope stressed that a Church called to become an “advocate,” that is, to defend man in his integrity and all human beings, has as its first service “to enlighten the human person and society so that, in the light of Christ and his Word, they may discover their own identity, the meaning of human life, the value of relationships and social solidarity, the ultimate end of existence and the destiny of history.”

Promote life

Leo XIV encouraged those present “to render a passionate and generous service in evangelization. Proclaim the Gospel of life, hope, and love; bring the light of the Gospel to all so that the life of every man and woman, from conception to natural death, may be defended and promoted.”

He emphasized the importance of ensuring that “the proclamation of the Gospel and the forms of faith, so deeply rooted in your identity and society, are preserved from the risk of becoming mere custom, however good it may be.” To this end, he invited them to ask themselves: “Are we truly defending human beings? Are we protecting the dignity of the person by protecting life in all its stages?”

Finally, the Pope asked to “keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, our advocate before the Father, which generates a faith rooted in a personal relationship with Him, a faith that becomes a witness, capable of transforming life and renewing society.”