Pope Francis receives Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco (Vatican Media)
By Vatican News
July 21 2022
Pope Francis meets Prince Albert II and his wife, Princess Charlene, of the Principality of Monaco, in the Vatican.
Pope Francis’ meeting with the reigning Monaco Royals took place in the Apostolic Library on Wednesday, and according to a Holy See Press Office statement lasted about 25 minutes.
Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene reportedly engaged in conversation with the Holy Father and gifts were exchanged.
Exchange of gifts
During the private audience, the Pope presented the couple with a bronze depiction of a child helping another child get up from the ground with the words “love” and “help” etched on either side of the figures.
A document explained that the image was inspired by the parable of the good Samaritan and serves as a reminder that “the call to accompany, care for and support the most vulnerable invites us to rekindle our vocation as citizens of the world to build a new bond, to look within ourselves and to develop a ‘social love.’”
Pope Francis also presented them with several documents, including copies of his Message for the 2022 World Day of Peace and the Document on Human Fraternity.
For his part, Prince Albert presented the Pope with an artistic sketch of the Chapel of St. John the Baptist located in the Royal Palace of Monaco. – Vatican News
