Pope Leo XIV denounces 'chasms between the poor and the rich' during Monaco visit

Pope Leo XIV condemned economic inequality during his inaugural address at a Monaco visit on Saturday, criticizing what he described as "chasms between the poor and the rich." The pontiff's remarks carry particular weight given Monaco's reputation as one of the world's wealthiest enclaves, where the Catholic principality's residents enjoy among the highest per capita incomes globally. The denunciation signals the Pope's continued focus on economic justice as a central theme of his papacy, a priority he has emphasized repeatedly since his election. The visit underscores the Vatican's willingness to directly challenge wealth disparities even in nations where the Church maintains strong institutional ties. The speech is likely to resonate with Catholics and observers monitoring the Pope's stance on social and economic issues heading into the final years of his papacy.