France, March 28 -- Arriving by helicopter from Rome, the pope was greeted by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene at Monaco's heliport.

The US-born pope, a former missionary critical of the wealthy elite, will start his trip at the Prince's Palace, the official residence of the Grimaldi dynasty.

After a greeting from the balcony, he will go to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception to meet the Catholic community, then to the square in front of the Church of Saint Devota, dedicated to the patron saint of Monaco.

The highlight will be an open-air mass at the Louis II Stadium, expected to be attended by 15,000 people.

Monaco is one of the few places in Europe where Catholicism remains the state religion, and it has long-standing d...