Pope Leo XIV has criticised the widening gap between the rich and the poor during a visit to Monaco, urging global leaders to prioritise justice and equality.
The pope, on his first Western European trip since assuming office, arrived from Rome and was received by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene at Monte Carlo.
Addressing a crowd from the Prince’s Palace, Leo condemned what he described as “unjust configurations of power” that deepen divisions between the privileged and the marginalised.
He warned that growing inequality, coupled with global conflicts, threatens peace, stressing that wealth should serve justice rather than reinforce power imbalances.
The visit drew large crowds, with residents lining the streets and churches marking the occasion with bell tolls. The pope’s itinerary included meetings with the Catholic community and an open-air mass expected to attract thousands.
He is also scheduled to address issues such as environmental protection, peace, and the dignity of human life—topics that align with Monaco’s diplomatic and humanitarian priorities.
Monaco, one of the few European states with Catholicism as its official religion, maintains longstanding ties with the Vatican.
The visit has been described by local leaders as symbolic, highlighting shared commitments to peace, solidarity, and global cooperation.
