The Monaco royal family has shared a glimpse into a historic moment after welcoming Pope Leo XIV to the Principality for an apostolic visit.
Posting the arrival on social media on Saturday morning, the Palais Princier de Monaco shared a photograph and video of the moment Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco greeted the Pope upon his arrival at the Monaco Heliport.
“His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in Monaco,” the caption read, alongside one image marking the start of what was described as a “historic apostolic visit to the Principality”.
A brief handshake took place between the royal couple and the Pope as the visit got underway.
Charlene, 48, wowed in an all-white ensemble consisting of a white midi dress, a belted coat and coordinating heels.
Shortly after arriving, a welcome ceremony took place at the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, where the Pope was introduced to Princess Gabriella of Monaco and Prince Jacques of Monaco.
© GettyGreetings
A brief handshake took place between the royal couple and the Pope as the visit got underway.
© GettyPrince’s Palace of Monaco arrival
The Pope was also introduced to Prince Jacques of Monaco and Princess Gabriella of Monaco during the visit.
© GettyA special wave
The Monaco royal family and the Pope greeted crowds gathered to mark the occasion
© GettyWell wishes.
Princess Gabriella, Princess Charlene, Pope Leo XIV, Prince Albert II and Prince Jacques greet crowds
© GettyRespectful
Both Charlene and Albert were among the many royals and dignitaries who attended the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in 2025. Again, she opted to wear white for this occasion.
© Getty ImagesFamily
Pierre Casiraghi, Beatrice Borromeo, Louis Ducruet and Marie Chevallier also stepped out for the historic moment.
© Getty ImagesAll smiles
Princess Stephanie of Monaco and Charlotte Casiraghi looked happy to be there
© GettyHoly occasion
Princess Charlene and Prince Albert look on at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
During his time in Monaco, the Pope will take part in an official reception, hold meetings, join moments of prayer and celebrate a public Mass at the Stade Louis II.
The visit marks a particularly significant moment in Monaco’s history, with this being the first apostolic journey by a Pope to the Principality in the modern era.
The last reigning pope to visit Monaco was Pope Paul III, who travelled to the Principality in 1538 on a diplomatic mission.
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