Prince of Monaco at the Vatican

HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco was in the Vatican yesterday for a meeting with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. The two discussed the need for moral education for the young, the importance of protecting life in all its stages and good stewardship of the environment. During the customary exchange of gifts the Sovereign Prince gave the Pontiff a sculpture depicting the storm-tossed boat that carried the body of St Devote to Monaco. St Devote is the patron saint of Monaco and the Principality is one of the few remaining officially Catholic monarchies in the world. Earlier, while in Rome, Prince Albert also met with Grand Master of the Knights of Malta Matthew Festing at their office on the 15th. Prince Albert has been a member of the Knights of Malta since 1989. After his meeting with the Pope the Prince was still home in time to preside at the official opening of Oktoberfest in Monaco. Perhaps the Holy Father gave him some tips on doing things the German way.