Pope Leo XIV Addresses Wealth Gap in Monaco Visit

On his first trip to Western Europe, Pope Leo XIV addressed the widening gap between the rich and poor during a visit to Monaco, a small city-state known for its wealth. Speaking from the balcony of the Prince's Palace, he condemned the unjust power structures that contribute to this disparity, referring to it as a sin.

His remarks came amidst a backdrop of global conflicts and economic instability, highlighting the need for peace. The Pope's visit was marked by a gathering of local citizens, including Isabel Fissor, a jeweler, who expressed the significance of the meeting between the two smallest states in the world.

The Pope's agenda also included discussions on environmental protection, a cause close to Prince Albert's heart. The Vatican's press office indicated that the Pope would address issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

Monaco remains one of the few places in Europe where Catholicism is the state religion, despite only about eight percent of its citizens identifying as practicing Catholics.