This decision is largely symbolic, as abortion is a constitutional right in France. By refusing to allow it in Monaco, Prince Albert has joined other members of Catholic European royal families who have taken a similar stance over the years to support Catholic doctrine on a continent moving towards secularism. When Pope Francis visited Belgium in 2024, he announced that he was placing the late King Baudouin on a path to 'possible sainthood,' as he had abdicated for a day in 1990 not to endorse a law legalizing abortion. The Pope's visit to Monaco highlights how small states can exert influence beyond their size. The principality covers an area of about 2.2 square kilometers (around one square mile). Prince Albert of Monaco has finally rejected a proposal to legalize abortion, citing the important role played by 'Catholicism' in Monaco's society. Pope of the Vatican Leo XIV arrived in the Principality of Monaco yesterday. According to the Associated Press (AP), to the sound of a welcoming cannonade, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene received the Pope at Monaco's heliport. Monaco has prepared a program for the 'Pope': a meeting with the Catholic community at the 'Notre-Dame-Immaculee' Cathedral, a meeting with young people at the 'Saint Devote' church, and a mass at the 'Louis II' football stadium, which is the main stadium for AS Monaco FC. This is the first papal visit to Monaco since the visit of Pope Paul III in 1538. As noted by AP, the visit highlights how small states can exert influence beyond their size. Monaco is one of the small European states where 'Catholicism' is the state religion, and its population is about 38,000, 80% of whom are Catholics.
