Pope Leo XIV Praises Prince Albert II for Vetoing Abortion Bill in Historic Monaco Visit

Pope Leo XIV emphasized the Catholic Church's role as an advocate for human life and dignity during his historic apostolic visit to Monaco on Saturday, marking the first papal trip to the principality.

Addressing Monaco's Catholic community from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the pope—previously Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost—called on believers to proclaim the Gospel of life, hope, and love. He urged them to spread the light of the Gospel so that "the life of every man and every woman is defended and promoted from conception to natural death," as reported by Vatican News and local outlets.

Leo XIV specifically commended Prince Albert II for refusing to sign an abortion bill last year, a decision that prevented the measure from advancing due to the prince's required constitutional approval. He described the Church as called to defend human integrity, illuminating individuals and society through Christ's teachings to reveal paths to solidarity, the purpose of existence, and history's destiny.

The pope warned against faith devolving into mere tradition, despite its strong ties to Monegasque identity, and challenged the community to reflect on whether they are truly safeguarding human dignity across all life stages. By keeping their focus on Jesus Christ as advocate before the Father, he said, believers can nurture a vibrant faith that transforms lives and renews society amid cultural and social diversity.

The message resonates in Andorra, where debates over reproductive rights, including women's access to abortion decisions, encounter significant obstacles given the Church's influence and the co-principality's ties to the Holy See. With Pietro Parolin continuing as secretary of state, the pope's inaugural European outing underscores continuity in the Church's pro-life position.