Pope Leo XIV makes historic visit to glitzy Monaco

Pope Leo XIV will travel to Monaco on Saturday, marking the first papal visit to the principality in nearly 500 years. The Vatican has framed the trip as a demonstration of the global influence wielded by small states, signaling the Church's engagement with micro-nations in world affairs. The visit is historically significant given the long gap since a reigning pontiff last traveled to Monaco, underscoring the rarity of such diplomatic journeys to the wealthy Mediterranean enclave. The trip reflects the Pope's broader international outreach and the Vatican's interest in strengthening ties across diverse geopolitical contexts.