Monaco City – Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful plea for peace during a visit to the Principality of Monaco this weekend, urging the world not to become desensitized to the realities of conflict. Speaking to thousands gathered for a stadium Mass at the Stade Louis II, the Pope warned against the normalization of violence and the justifications used to inflict suffering. His message, delivered on Saturday, resonated deeply amidst a global landscape marked by ongoing conflicts and escalating tensions. The visit, a historic first in nearly five centuries, underscores the Catholic Church’s commitment to dialogue, and reconciliation.
“Let us not grow accustomed to the noise of weapons, to the images of war!” Pope Leo XIV declared, according to the Kathpress news agency. He lamented the proliferation of plans designed to harm innocent lives, questioning the motives behind such actions. “How many false reasons are put forward to eliminate them!” he challenged, highlighting the moral urgency of seeking peaceful resolutions. This call for peace comes as the world grapples with multiple crises, from Ukraine to the Middle East, and as concerns grow over potential escalations in other regions.
The Pontiff’s address wasn’t simply a condemnation of violence, but a call for a fundamental shift in perspective. He emphasized that true peace isn’t merely the absence of conflict, but rather “the operate of purified hearts, of people who see in others a brother and a sister to be protected, not an enemy to be destroyed.” This message of fraternity and compassion was central to his remarks, reflecting a core tenet of his papacy. The concept of seeing the humanity in all people, even those with whom we disagree, is a recurring theme in Pope Leo XIV’s teachings.
Among those in attendance at the Mass were Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, accompanied by their children, Gabriella and Jacques, along with other members of the Grimaldi family. Prince Albert extended the invitation to the Pope during a January audience at the Vatican, recognizing Monaco’s unique position as a small, multicultural nation where Catholicism is the state religion. Approximately 80 percent of Monaco’s roughly 38,500 residents identify as Catholic, making the visit particularly significant for the local community.
Pope Leo XIV also challenged the faithful to examine their own lives and to reject what he termed “idols” – the pursuit of wealth that leads to greed, and the obsession with beauty that descends into vanity. He argued that true liberation comes through embracing mercy and living a life dedicated to service. “The Church in Monaco is called to bear witness by living in peace and in God’s blessing,” he stated, urging believers to share the joy of their faith with others, a joy he emphasized is found not in fleeting pleasures but in acts of love and compassion.
A Historic Visit to the Côte d’Azur
The Pope delivered his homily in French, reflecting Monaco’s linguistic and cultural context. He emphasized that the source of true joy lies in God’s love for all life – the unborn, the vulnerable, the young, the elderly, the healthy, and the sick. He invoked the patronage of the Virgin Mary, Monaco’s patron saint, praying that the principality would become a haven for the marginalized and a place where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.
Prior to the Mass, Pope Leo XIV toured the Stade Louis II in an open-air golf cart, greeting the enthusiastic crowds that lined the route. The stadium Mass represented the culmination of his day-long visit, a carefully orchestrated event designed to maximize his engagement with the Monegasque people. The atmosphere was described by attendees as joyful and deeply moving, a testament to the Pope’s ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
The route to the Prince’s Palace was lined with well-wishers waving Vatican flags, a vibrant display of welcome. The Papal convoy was led by the Prince and Princess’s vehicle, underscoring the close relationship between the Holy See and the Monegasque monarchy. From the palace balcony, Pope Leo XIV addressed the crowd, reiterating his message of peace and hope.
Engaging with Monaco’s Youth
Following his address, the Pope met with Catholic youth in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. He acknowledged the diverse socioeconomic backgrounds within Monaco’s small population, emphasizing that the Church should never create social divisions but rather embrace all as children of God. “Monaco is a small state, but it can be a great example of solidarity, a window of hope,” he told the young people, encouraging them to integrate their faith into their work and civic engagement, giving a voice to the voiceless and fostering a culture of care.
This visit marks the first time a Pope has traveled to Monaco since 1538, when Pope Paul III stopped in the principality after peace negotiations between France and Spain in Nice. Vatican News reported that the one-day trip to Monaco is Pope Leo XIV’s second international journey since his election in May 2025, following a six-day visit to Turkey and Lebanon in November. Prince Albert II personally extended the invitation to the Pope during a visit to the Vatican in January. The Pope is scheduled to travel to four African nations from April 13th to 23rd.
As evening fell, Pope Leo XIV departed from Monaco via helicopter, a courtesy provided by the Italian Republic. He is scheduled to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, marking the beginning of Holy Week and a busy schedule leading up to Easter (April 5th/6th). The visit to Monaco, while brief, served as a powerful reminder of the Catholic Church’s enduring commitment to peace and its unwavering support for the vulnerable and marginalized.
(Quelle: APA)
The Pope’s upcoming trip to Africa, scheduled for April, will likely focus on similar themes of peace, justice, and solidarity, addressing the unique challenges facing the continent. His continued advocacy for dialogue and understanding remains a central pillar of his pontificate.
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