The Princely Palace of Monaco previously said that Albert, 67, underwent a scheduled dermatological procedure on his scalp and face

Pope Leo meets with Prince Albert of Monaco at the Apostolic Palace on Jan. 17, 2026.Credit : Mario Tomassetti – Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty

Prince Albert of Monaco had a noticeable scar on his face while making his first public appearances following a medical procedure earlier in the week.

On Saturday, Jan. 17, the sovereign prince, 67, met with Pope Leo in the Vatican, and photos showed that he had a visible scar on his left cheek.

In a statement released on Jan. 16, the Princely Palace of Monaco said that Albert underwent a scheduled dermatological procedure on his scalp and face to “treat a benign condition.”

“The Princely Palace reports that, as part of a routine dermatological follow-up, H.S.H. Prince Albert II underwent a scheduled, short medical procedure on his scalp and face to treat a benign condition,” the statement read. “The procedure required a few stitches. The Sovereign Prince’s schedule of activities continues as normal.”

Prince Albert of Monaco and Pope Leo meet at the Apostolic Palace on Jan. 17, 2026.Vatican Pool/Getty

The Holy See Press Office told Vatican News after Albert’s visit that the prince met with both Pope Leo, 70, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

Albert discussed “the good diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the principality of Monaco,” as well as the “historic and significant contribution of the Catholic Church to the principality’s social life.”

“Attention was given to several issues of common interest, such as care for the environment, humanitarian assistance, and the defense and promotion of the dignity of the human person,” the press office added.

Albert also took time to discuss international affairs, “with particular emphasis on peace and security, as well as on the general situation in the Middle East and in certain regions of Africa,” the office added, per Vatican News.

Prince Albert’s scar was also visible during his appearance at the opening of the 48th International Circus Festival at the Chapiteau de Fontvieille in Monaco, alongside his nephew Louis Ducruet and niece Camille Gottlieb, on Friday, Jan. 16.

Pope Leo exchanges gifts with Prince Albert of Monaco on Jan. 17, 2026.Mario Tomassetti – Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty

Prince Albert has reigned as Monaco’s head of state since April 2005, when he ascended the throne following the death of his father, Prince Rainier III. He marked the 20th anniversary of his accession in 2025.

Albert and his wife, Princess Charlene, share 11-year-old twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella. Prince Jacques is the heir to the throne and follows his father in the direct line of succession.

Albert previously met Pope Francis in 2022 and 2016, and met Pope Benedict XVI in 2013.

Pope Leo has met with other European royals in recent months. In October, King Charles marked a historic first by praying alongside Leo after their meeting at the Vatican.

The King, 77, participated in a solemn ecumenical service alongside the Pope in the Sistine Chapel during a spiritual highlight of his day-long visit to the Vatican on Oct. 23, PEOPLE previously reported,

The service, taking place under the magnificent Michelangelo ceiling, is the first time a British monarch has prayed with a Pope in public since the Reformation in the 16th Century.