Pope Leo XIV has condemned widening global inequality, warning against the growing divide between the rich and the poor, during a high-profile visit to Monaco — his first trip to Western Europe since the start of his papacy.
The American-born pontiff arrived in the Mediterranean principality by helicopter from Rome on Saturday, where he was received by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene at Monte Carlo’s heliport.
In a speech delivered from the balcony of the Prince’s Palace, the pope criticised what he described as “unjust configurations of power” that continue to deepen inequalities across societies.
He warned that such disparities create “chasms between the poor and the rich, between the privileged and the rejected,” urging leaders and institutions to ensure that wealth serves justice and the common good.
The remarks come at a time of heightened global tensions, with the pope also cautioning that displays of force and unchecked power risk undermining peace worldwide.
Monaco, often associated with wealth, luxury, and exclusivity, provided a symbolic backdrop for the pope’s message.
Known for its casinos, luxury yachts, and affluent residents, the tiny principality contrasts sharply with the pope’s call for social equity and inclusion.
The visit drew large crowds, with church bells ringing across the city-state as residents and visitors gathered to welcome the pontiff.
Streets were decorated in Monaco’s red and white colours alongside the Vatican’s yellow and white, reflecting the significance of the occasion.
During his one-day visit, Pope Leo XIV met members of the Catholic community at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and was scheduled to celebrate an open-air mass at the Louis II Stadium, expected to attract about 15,000 worshippers.
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Beyond inequality, the pope is also expected to address issues such as environmental protection, peacebuilding, and the “protection of life in all its forms,” themes that align with ongoing global debates on conflict and human dignity.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Prince Albert II described the occasion as a “powerful sign” of Monaco’s role within the global Catholic community and highlighted shared priorities with the Vatican, including international solidarity and peace promotion.
For many attendees, the visit carried emotional and symbolic weight.
Residents from diverse backgrounds gathered along the pope’s route, reflecting Monaco’s multicultural population, which includes people from over 140 nationalities.
While some locals viewed the visit with indifference, others described it as historic — a moment bringing together two of the world’s smallest states to promote a message of unity, compassion, and hope.
As global inequalities continue to widen and conflicts persist, the pope’s message in Monaco underscores a broader call for moral responsibility, urging leaders and citizens alike to work toward a more just and peaceful world.