Pope Leo XIV denounces the growing chasm between rich and poor during his historic first papal visit to the wealthy principality of Monaco.
MONACO, PRINCIPALITY OF MONACO: Pope Leo XIV condemned the widening gap between the rich and poor during a historic visit to the wealthy principality of Monaco. The first US-born pontiff arrived by helicopter, marking the first papal visit to the microstate in nearly 500 years.
He was greeted by Monaco’s ruler Prince Albert II and his wife Princess Charlene. From the balcony of the Prince’s Palace, Pope Leo launched into an address on social justice and inequality.
He denounced what he termed “unjust configurations of power” and “structures of sin that dig chasms between poor and rich”. The pontiff insisted that wealth must serve “law and justice”, especially at a moment when displays of force “wound the world and jeopardise peace”.
His message was delivered within walking distance of Monaco’s famous casinos. Some locals listened from their private apartment balconies, glasses of champagne in hand.
Bells pealed across the Mediterranean principality to mark his arrival. Approximately 5,000 people gathered outside the palace, many brandishing Monegasque and Vatican flags.
“I’m trembling – it’s so emotional, and I’m so proud,” said Alix Pearce, a 34-year-old sales representative who attended with her family. More than 1,500 young people later welcomed the pope at the Church of Saint Devota.
The full-scale public celebration hoped for by authorities did not fully materialise. Billboards showing the pontiff contrasted with the gleaming sports cars and tourist crowds in the city-state’s streets.
“The pope brings people together,” said Eric Battaglia, a 64-year-old Monegasque artist. “In a world that has been at war for the past few years, it’s a blessing that there are people like him.”
Prince Albert told local daily Nice-Matin the visit was “a powerful sign testifying to the principality’s importance”. He said he shared with the Vatican common causes including international solidarity and “the promotion of peace through sport”.
Local jeweller Isabel Fissore, 62, called the event historic. “The two smallest states in the world coming together to spread a message of peace, light and love throughout the world,” she said.
At an open-air Mass at the Louis II stadium, Pope Leo reaffirmed the Church’s opposition to euthanasia and abortion. He also condemned “the hidden schemes of powerful authorities who are eager to kill without scruples”.
“Let us not grow accustomed to the clamour of weapons and images of war,” he added. The pontiff departed Monaco by helicopter after the Mass.
“It was magnificent,” said Belgian art dealer Wendy Lauwers, 60. “We had heard a lot about how if he was coming here it was to talk to the rich. But he was very approachable, kind and open.”
She recalled his message to the privileged residents: “Okay, you are privileged — but stay humble.”
The Sun Malaysia
