What significance does Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming visit to Monaco hold? It marks the first papal visit to the principality in modern times, scheduled for March 28, 2026. This visit is particularly noteworthy as it connects to the historical presence of Pope Pius VI, whose body was brought to Monaco in 1799 due to a storm during its transport to Italy.
Pope Pius VI died at the age of 82 on August 19, 1799, and his remains were temporarily interred in Monaco before being repatriated to Rome in 1802. A commemorative plaque for Pius VI was installed in the parish church of Saint Nicholas in Monaco, although the church itself was destroyed in 1874; the plaque remains in the cathedral’s ambulatory.
In the realm of sports, AS Monaco recently achieved a significant victory against Olympique Lyonnais, winning 1-2 on March 23, 2026. This win marked AS Monaco’s sixth consecutive Ligue 1 victory, showcasing their strong performance in the league. Manager Sébastien Pocognoli praised his team’s solidarity and tactical intelligence during the match.
Maghnes Akliouche and Folarin Balogun were key players, scoring in the second half to secure the win. Pocognoli noted, “The three points, the great run, the fact that we’re continuing to put pressure on the league table, and seeing a team that showed solidarity throughout the 98 minutes and was tactically intelligent.” He also emphasized the need to protect creative players from being pigeonholed.
AS Monaco’s next match is against Olympique de Marseille after the international break, further intensifying their pursuit of success in Ligue 1.
As the date of Pope Leo XIV’s visit approaches, the principality prepares for this historic occasion, which is expected to draw significant attention. The last papal visit was by the deceased Pope Pius VI, making this event particularly poignant for the local community.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific itinerary for Leo XIV’s visit, but the anticipation is palpable among residents and officials alike.