With the announcement, Pope Leo XIV will become the first modern pope to travel to Monaco.
The Mediterranean microstate, known worldwide as a playground for the ultra-wealthy, is one of just five nations, including Vatican City, that names Catholicism as its official state religion. Some 90% of its population is estimated to be Catholic, and the Diocese of Monaco was established by Leo's namesake, Pope Leo XIII, in 1887.
It is a relatively short hop from Rome,taking about one hour for the 286-mile journey.