Prince Albert and Princess Charlene ‘deeply moved’ as they share emotional tribute to Pope Leo XIV after cancer diagnosis

LEAVE A COMMENT Prince Albert and Princess Charlene have penned a moving statement after Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung cancer.

The Monégasque royal couple, who met with the Pontiff just two weeks ago, said they were "deeply moved" by this "trying time" in a tribute shared on the Palace's official social media accounts on Wednesday.

The personal letter, dated 12 October and signed with the Prince's official signature, was sent on behalf of Princess Charlene and their family, including 11-year-old twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella.

Prince Albert wrote that the family had felt "comforted" by the Pontiff's decision to undergo surgery, saying: "Princess Charlène and I, along with our Family and the entire Principality, wish to assure You of all our filial support and our fervent prayers."

The letter, which has been translated into English from French, continued: "In assuring Your Holiness of our closeness during this time of trial, we pray that once the operation is completed, your healing and full recovery will follow quickly, allowing you to continue with all your strength your ministry, which the world needs now more than ever."

"Deign, most Holy Father, Your Holiness, to accept our most faithful and respectful devotion," he concluded.

Pope Leo underwent surgery on Tuesday, after which he was diagnosed with lung cancer, the Vatican said.

The 71-year-old had a successful operation to remove a lower lobe in his right lung after announcing news of his operation during his weekly Sunday prayers in Rome.

Tests confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma after a 90-minute surgery at Rome's Gemelli hospital, where well-wishers gathered outside.

The Vatican said in a statement: "The operation was successful and there were no complications.

"After the operation, the Pope awoke normally and returned after a brief period of operation to his room".

He is expected to remain in hospital for around a week, while his audiences have been cancelled until 20 October.

Pope Leo was elected head of the Catholic Church on 8 May 2025 following the death of Pope Francis that April at the age of 88.

Monaco has a close relationship with the Vatican, as the Roman Catholic faith is recognised in the constitution and they have a longstanding diplomatic relationship.

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene met Pope Leo in September for a conference called "At the Roots of Europe: For Peace and Unity".

The royal couple was also joined by President Emmanuel Macron of France and his wife Brigitte, who were wearing black, and Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg.

Charlene exercised her "privilege du blanc" – the privilege of wearing white – which permits the heads of state of Catholic countries to wear white in the presence of the Pope.

She also exercised the rare privilege back in March, when Pope Leo visited the Principality of Monaco, while Albert and Charlene were received at the Vatican in January.

The historic March visit marked the first apostolic journey by a Pope to Monaco in the modern era. Pope Paul III had previously been received on the Rock in 1538.

Monaco’s palace described that papal visit as a powerful sign of "hope" centered on "dialogue, peace and shared responsibility".

During his Monaco visit, Pope Leo also emphasised the Principality’s potential role in bringing people together.

More RoyaltySee moreExceptionalPrincess Charlene exercises rare royal privilege in white outfit to meet Pope Leo – as Brigitte Macron wears blackThe royal, 48, and her husband Prince Albert, 62, joined European leaders at the Robert Schuman Conference in Metz on Monday to meet Pope Leo XIVFresh startRichard Gere, 77, announces 'new chapter' as he teams up with unexpected royal for exciting projectThe American actor, 77, has teamed up with real-life royalty after attending a glittering gala last week – see the details of his exciting projectFAMILY TIESPrincess Charlene makes rare appearance with brother Gareth for special reasonThe Monegasque royal and her younger brother stepped out to raise awareness for a cause close to their hearts at the Place du CasinoMust seePrincess Charlene turns heads in floaty white dress with an unexpected detail at family picnicThe royal paired her delicate printed dress with pearl earrings and blush heels ConversationFor more information on our conversation section, please read our Community Guidelines. Comments featured and views shared are not endorsed by HELLO!.