Great testimonies! Monaco converts get chance of a lifetime

“Lord, you are my rock!” Sung in a hymn of praise, these words take on a special resonance in Monaco, yet for the young people gathered around the Pope outside the chapel of St. Devota on Saturday, they are anything but abstract. Among the group were 10 catechumens, mostly young professionals along with a few older participants.

Simon Ardiss, head of the diocesan service for adult Christian initiation in Monaco, expressed surprise at the “exponential increase in requests for accompaniment.” Including catechumens, neophytes, confirmation candidates, and those returning to the faith, “we are accompanying 70 people this year, compared to 35 last year and 20 the year before. But it’s not because of us — it is truly the Holy Spirit at work,” said the former British entrepreneur, ordained a permanent deacon a few months ago.

Among those to be baptized this year is Karen, 38, a Guatemalan who has worked in Monaco for several years as a childcare provider. Although she comes from a Central American country shaped by Catholic faith, she was not baptized as a child and began her sacramental journey in Monaco.

“I went through an inner process to draw closer to God. It leads me to rise each day offering my day to Jesus, discovering His unconditional love even in our flaws. The Lord is always there, waiting to accompany us. We must keep our hearts open to receive His love day after day,” she shared, visibly moved.

Her family in Guatemala was deeply impressed to learn she would meet the Pope. “My sister, who lives here with me, told me it’s as if Jesus Christ were coming personally to meet me. It’s an incredible moment, and it will help me stay strong in difficult times,” Karen reflected.

Laetitia, 42, will receive baptism after a long journey of nearly 30 years of searching. A risk management professional at a Monaco bank, this Frenchwoman was not baptized in childhood but was educated in Catholic schools and began seeking the Church at age 13. Though she spoke with a priest about her questions, she hesitated to commit. Only after settling professionally in Monaco — following work in Paris, London, and Brussels — did she enter the catechumenate.

“After such a long wait, this opportunity to meet the Pope just one week before my baptism is magnificent — it feels almost magical,” she said.

Ethan, 25, a construction supervisor working on luxury villas and living in Beausoleil above Monaco, became interested in the Christian faith six years ago. “I owe this discovery to a friend who has always been there for me and who will be my godfather,” he said. “It’s a great grace to be here with the Holy Father.”

Speaking publicly before the Pope, he explained that discovering the faith awakened him from a kind of existential “lethargy” and opened him to a new sense of purpose.

Emilie, 29, who works in communications, described a profound conversion in recent years. “I was an atheist for about 20 years, but I encountered the Lord around four years ago. I felt a call and contacted the diocese,” she said, grateful for the support that will soon lead her to baptism.

“It’s incredible to meet the Pope today — no one could have imagined it!” she added. Initially concerned about her family’s reaction, she instead received kindness and support. “Now several members of my family come to church with me. Some are starting to ask questions!”

Dorian, 28, who works in Monaco’s municipal technical services, also spoke with humility: “We are amazed and a bit overwhelmed by the Pope’s visit — it’s hard to take it in. One day, when I felt lost and full of questions, I sensed a grace rising within me, a call. I had never felt such peace. It was clear, and it led me toward baptism. For two years now, this journey has made me happier and happier.”

Among the crowd were also neophytes still filled with the joy of recently received sacraments. François and Maeva, married in 2024, rediscovered the Christian faith during marriage preparation. François, already baptized, received confirmation, while Maeva was baptized a year after their wedding.

“Our son was in my womb when I was baptized! And it’s incredible that the pope has come to support us in our story today,” said Maeva, who works in radiology. “The Catholic faith gives us momentum each day in our daily life,” added François, an engineer. To seal this renewed faith, the couple named their child Santino — “little saint” in Italian — a sign of the life and hope that now animate their family.