This morning, the Holy Father Leo XIV received in Audience, in the Apostolic Palace, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, who subsequently met with His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

During the cordial talks, held at the Secretariat of State, the existing good bilateral relations were highlighted, and reference was made to the historic and significant contribution of the Catholic Church to the social life of the Principality. As the conversation continued, the Parties focused on some topics of mutual interest, such as care for the environment, humanitarian aid, and the defence and promotion of human dignity.

Finally, there was also an exchange of opinions on current international affairs, with particular emphasis on peace and security, and on the general situation in the Middle East and some regions of Africa.

From the Vatican, 17 January 2026