Pope visits Monaco to urge its people to reject idolatry of power and wealth fueling wars

MONACO (AP) — Pope Leo XIV urged residents of the principality of Monaco on Saturday to use their wealth and influence for good and reject the “idolatry of power and money” that is fueling wars around the world.

Leo made a one-day trip to the glitzy Mediterranean enclave, becoming the first pope to visit since Pope Paul III came in 1538.

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene met Leo at the Monaco heliport, just down the coast from the marina that is home to the megayachts of the rich and famous. To celebrate his arrival, a cannon boomed in a ceremonial salute and boats in the marina sounded foghorns that at one point interrupted Leo’s remarks.

At the palace, members of the royal family stood in the courtyard to greet Leo, the women dressed in black and with lace head coverings. Charlene wore white — a protocol privilege granted by the Vatican to Catholic royal sovereigns when meeting popes, known in diplomatic terms as "le privilège du blanc."

In his opening greeting from the palace balcony, Leo urged Monaco to use its wealth, influence and “gift of smallness” to do good in the world.

It was important, he said in French, “especially at a historical moment when the display of power and the logic of oppression are harming the world and jeopardizing peace.”

Speaking later in the cathedral, Leo urged Monaco's Catholics to spread their faith “so that the life of every man and woman may be defended and promoted from conception until natural death,” he said.

Such terms are used by the Vatican to refer to Catholic teaching opposing abortion and euthanasia.

Monaco is one of the few European countries where Catholicism is the official state religion. Prince Albert recently refused a proposal to legalize abortion, citing the important role Catholicism plays in Monaco’s society.

The decision was largely symbolic because abortion is a constitutional right in France, which surrounds the coastal principality of 2.2 square kilometers (about 1 square mile).

But in refusing to allow it in Monaco, Albert joined other European Catholic royals who have taken a similar stand over the years to uphold Catholic doctrine on an increasingly secular continent. When Pope Francis visited Belgium in 2024, he announced he was putting the late King Baudouin on the path to possible sainthood because he abdicated for a day in 1990 rather than approve legislation to legalize abortion.

A coastal playground for the rich and famous, Monaco is renowned as much for its tax-friendly incentives and Formula 1 Grand Prix as its glamorous royal family. The son of the late American actress Grace Kelly, Albert spoke in perfect, unaccented English when he greeted Leo at the heliport. Leo was heard noting that he landed three minutes late.

Leo’s visit was designed to highlight how small states such as Monaco and the Holy See can punch above their weight on the global stage. Leo used his homily at Mass in the Monaco stadium to do just that, urging the faithful to reject the type of idolatry that has enslaved people in cycles of war and injustice.

Today’s wars, “stained with blood, are the fruit of the idolatry of power and money.,” he said. “Let us not grow accustomed to the clamor of weapons and images of war! Peace is not merely a balance of power; it is the work of purified hearts, of those who see others as brothers and sisters to be protected, not enemies to be defeated.”

Though small, Monaco has made its mark as a strong campaigner for environmental protection as well as a supporter of initiatives to help Christians in the Middle East. It is a partner in the Aliph Foundation, which works in particular to rebuild and restore churches and other sites of cultural importance that get damaged or destroyed by conflict.

The government has also been a longtime supporter of church projects in Lebanon organized by l’Œuvre d’Orient, a French-based group that supports bishops, priests and religious orders working in 23 countries.

Monaco’s population of 38,000 is heavily Catholic and multinational, with only a fifth of the population actually citizens of the principality. On a sunny spring day, many people flocked to the palace grounds to greet Leo, and some lined the streets to wave Vatican and Monaco flags as his open-sided popemobile passed by.

Claudine Fiori, Monaco resident, said it was a privilege and an emotional boost to welcome a pope.

“His Highness invited him and he came and it was a beautiful surprise," Fiori said. "Thanks to the pope for coming here.”

Enrico Doja, a Monaco resident of Italian origin, said he appreciated that Leo spoke in French throughout the day.

“This means that he is close to the people," he said. "And nowadays the world is unfortunately run mainly by people who are ‘one man show,’ and his role is to say ‘we have to do things together.’ ”

Winfield reported from Rome.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

Pope Leo XIV arrives at Stade Louis II in Fontvieille, Monaco, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)

Pope Leo XIV delivers his homily during a mass at Stade Louis II in Fontvieille, Monaco, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)

From left, Princess Charlen of Monaco , Crown Princess Gabriella, Prince Albert II of Monaco, and Prince Jacques attend a mass presided over by Pope Leo XIV at Stade Louis II in Fontvieille, Monaco, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)

Pope Leo XIV leaves after meeting with the local Catholic community inside Monaco Cathedral in Monaco-Ville, Monaco, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)

Pope Leo XIV arrives to meet with a group of young people and catechumens outside Sainte Dévote Church in La Condamine, Monaco, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Leo XIV leaves after meeting with the local Catholic community inside Monaco Cathedral in Monaco-Ville, Monaco, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)

Pope Leo XIV and Prince Albert II of Monaco meet at the Prince's Palace during Leo XIV's one-day pastoral visit to the Principality of Monaco, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (Guglielmo Mangiapane/Pool Photo via AP)

Princess Charlene of Monaco, left, and Prince Albert II of Monaco, right, meet Pope Leo XIV at the Prince's Palace during Leo XIV's one-day pastoral visit to the Principality of Monaco, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (Guglielmo Mangiapane/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Leo XIV, Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco appear at the Gallery of Hercules balcony at the Prince's Palace in Monaco-Ville, Monaco, Saturday, March 28, 2026.(AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Leo XIV, Princess Charlene of Monaco, and Prince Albert II of Monaco wave from the Gallery of Hercules balcony at the Prince's Palace in Monaco-Ville, Monaco, Saturday, March 28, 2026.(AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)

Pope Leo XIV, Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco appear at the Gallery of Hercules balcony at the Prince's Palace in Monaco-Ville, Monaco, Saturday, March 28, 2026.(AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Security forces take position ahead of the arrival of Pope Leo XIV at Monaco Heliport in Monte Carlo, Monaco, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, Pool)

Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene of Monaco welcome Pope Leo XIV on the tarmac of Monaco Heliport in Monte Carlo, Monaco, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia, Pool)

PARIS (AP) — Sipping tea every night is working wonders for Maja Chwalinska.

The Polish player became just the second qualifier to reach a Grand Slam singles final in the Open Era when she beat Diana Shnaider of Russia 7-6 (4), 6-4 on Thursday.

The 24-year-old Chwalinska can match Emma Raducanu’s title run at the 2021 U.S. Open when she plays Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva in Saturday's final at Roland Garros.

Nothing will change Chwalinska's routine for the biggest match of her life.

“I’m going to drink my tea,” she said.

Chwalinska and Raducanu, according to stats provider Opta, stand alone among men and women in having reached a major singles final from the qualifying rounds since the Open Era began in 1968.

“I feel like I am in a bubble, I don’t know what’s going on,” Chwalinska said. “After the tournament it will be time to process it: breathe in, breathe out.”

Besides the tea, she might watch some tennis "because I’m a tennis freak.”

She said her favorite player growing up was Swiss great Roger Federer, then Spanish clay-court ace Rafael Nadal. Now it's 24-time major winner Novak Djokovic.

“I'm just very grateful that I was growing up during this era,” she said. "Sometimes I come back to these old matches and I watch them play, and it feels like poetry.”

Chwalinska sealed victory on her first match point with a powerful forehand winner down the line, then fell back with both hands on her face. She then sat on her chair and panted heavily, her face buried into a towel.

“I honestly don’t know what was going on in my head,” she said. “I was just in such a shock.”

Chwalinska's run saw her advance through three qualifying rounds to enter the main draw and play in just her third Grand Slam. Her best result at a major before this was the second round at Wimbledon in 2022. Polish countrywoman Iga Swiatek has won the French Open four times.

The 19-year-old Andreeva reached her first Grand Slam final by beating Marta Kostyuk 6-1, 6-3 earlier Thursday on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Andreeva had reached the semifinals here two years ago, but this is Chwalinska’s first semifinal anywhere at WTA tour-level.

Chwalinksa has dropped only one set in her nine matches, including qualifying, and has bulldozed her way past four top-50 players in the main draw.

Her ranking will rocket from No. 114 to No. 14 if she wins the tournament, according to the WTA.

Her bank balance will also get a significant boost. Chwalinksa's total prize money heading into Roland Garros was $864,030 and by reaching the final she gets 1.4 million euros about ($1.6 million); and 2.8 million euros ($3.25 million) if she wins on Saturday.

A neat drop shot and lob gave her set point in the tiebreaker, and she clinched the first set when Shnaider’s backhand went wide.

Shnaider had a medical timeout after the seventh game of the second set. She flexed her left leg as she lay on her back, and dropped her serve in the ninth game, giving Chwalinksa a chance to serve for the match.

“All the kudos to Maja. She played amazing," Shnaider said. “She moves incredible on the court, she covers a lot. Even if you think that you won the point, she’s there.”

Andreeva could see even the smallest details on the ball.

“I was seeing the little hairs on the ball when I was tossing or playing (shots),” Andreeva said. “I was really, really focused today.”

Andreeva, who is seeded No. 8, also converted her first match point when serving for the victory.

She clearly feels comfortable at the French Open, which she describes as a “cozy” tournament because she sees familiar faces every year, and enjoys her time in Paris.

“I really like to walk around the city, to go into those little restaurants on the street,” she said. “I also speak a little bit of French, so I try to sometimes talk to people in French.”

There was no post-match handshake between Andreeva and Kostyuk — and the Ukrainian walked off quickly, turning only to wave and blow kisses to the crowd.

They had separate photos taken before the match as they each stood next to two children on their respective side of the net. Usually the players pose for the same photo, standing right next to each other by the net.

Kostyuk and countrywoman Oleksandra Oliynykova have spoken out during the tournament about the impact Russia's invasion of Ukraine is having on their country.

The No. 15-seeded Kostyuk said defeat won't linger given how much support she felt from fans.

“This is something I will carry with me forever,” she said. “I feel like this is the highlight of my tournament."

The semifinal began at shortly after 3 p.m. with an open roof, like on Wednesday when beaten quarterfinalists Aryna Sabalenka and Anna Kalinskaya complained of swirling wind on Chatrier and said the roof should have been closed.

It was closed toward the end of the second set of Thursday's semifinal, offering Kostyuk better conditions for her clay-court game. But her 16-match winning streak on clay ended.

AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

Poland's Maja Chwalinska reacts after winning the semifinal tennis match against Russia's Diana Shnaider at the French Open in Paris, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)

Poland's Maja Chwalinska reacts after winning the semifinal tennis match against Russia's Diana Shnaider at the French Open in Paris, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)

Poland's Maja Chwalinska react after winning during the semifinal tennis match against Russia's Diana Shnaider at the French Open in Paris, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Russia's Mirra Andreeva poses with children while Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk refused to join before the semifinal tennis match at the French Open in Paris, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk walks off the court after the semifinal tennis match against Russia's Mirra Andreeva at the French Open in Paris, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Russia's Mirra Andreeva reacts after winning during the semifinal tennis match against Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk at the French Open in Paris, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Fans supprtUkraine's Marta Kostyuk during the semifinal tennis match against Russia's Mirra Andreeva at the French Open in Paris, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)

Russia's Mirra Andreeva reacts after winning the semifinal tennis match against Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk at the French Open in Paris, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)

Russia's Mirra Andreeva returns to Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk during the senifinal tennis match at the French Open in Paris, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)

Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk serves to Russia's Mirra Andreeva during the semifinal tennis match at the French Open in Paris, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)

Russia's Mirra Andreeva poses with children while Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk refused during teh senifinal tennis tennis match at the French Open in Paris, Thursday, June 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)