Prince Albert of Monaco, Son of US Actress Grace Kelly, Blocks Abortion Bill and Affirms Catholicism as the Official Religion

In a significant exclusive interview with Monaco Matin, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, son of American actress Grace Kelly, detailed his position on several key issues, with a particularly powerful affirmation regarding the Principality's foundational identity and its respect for the Catholic Faith and human life. (Image Vatican Media from 2022 Visit of Prince Albert and his wife with Pope Francis)
Monaco is a sovereign city-state on the French Riviera, located on the northern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It is completely surrounded by France on its land borders, with the Italian border just a few miles to the east. The population of Monaco is approximately 39,000 residents, has Catholicism as a state religion, with nearly 90% of the population being Catholic. It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Despite its small size, it has a diverse population with over 140 nationalities represented, though only about 8,000 are Monegasque citizens.

A Firm Stance on the Sanctity of Life

Despite the results of a major survey launched by the National Council indicating that many Monegasques favor legalizing abortion, Prince Albert II has confirmed the government's refusal to act on the proposed law.

The issue has drawn considerable attention, especially since current Monégasque law, while having decriminalized the woman's recourse to abortion in 2019, still prohibits Monégasque doctors from performing the procedure except in strictly limited cases (serious medical reasons or rape). Doctors who perform an illegal abortion face severe penalties, forcing residents seeking the procedure to travel abroad, often under difficult circumstances.

In a lengthy interview on the sidelines of the National Day celebrations, the Sovereign offered a definitive closure to the proposal to liberalize abortion laws.
"I understand the sensitivity of this issue, the emotion it can arouse," the Sovereign stated. He then offered the compelling justification for the government's refusal: respect for "the place of the Catholic religion in our country."

The head of state maintains that "the current framework respects who we are," pointing to the legislative changes of 2009 and 2019 which, in his view, established a "balance respectful of our fundamental identity." This firm, principled decision, conveyed to the President of the National Council just weeks ago, is a crucial victory for the defense of life and the preservation of Monaco's deep Catholic heritage.

Minister of State Christophe Mirmand, in announcing the decision, also noted that new support measures are forthcoming—a welcome sign that the government is looking to uphold life while providing compassionate assistance to families and mothers.
Sources: https://lagazettedemonaco.com/en/news/politique/ivg-le-conseil-national-depose-une-proposition-de-loi-en

https://www.monaco-tribune.com/2025/11/prince-albert-ii-ferme-la-porte-a-livg-et-devoile-ses-ambitions-pour-la-rousse/