Pope Leo in Monaco urges billionaires to share wealth

Pope Leo XIV visited Monaco, known as a tax haven with a high concentration of billionaires, and used his speech to call on the wealthy and influential to share more of their resources. He stressed that material riches should not go unused but should serve the wider good and help those in need.

In a symbolic gesture, he presented Prince Albert with an artistic representation of St Francis of Assisi, who renounced his wealth for the poor. The visit is reportedly the first papal trip to Monaco in nearly five centuries.

Leo XIV, the first pope from the United States, has since his election positioned himself as a voice calling for greater social responsibility among the wealthy. The visit to Monaco also underlined his ambitious travel plans, with a tour of Africa to be followed by a trip to Spain.

(reuters, pir)