Pope Leo XIV Returns to Castel Gandolfo for Summer Vacation

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Castel Gandolfo on Sunday to begin his summer retreat. The papal summer home will host him for six weeks. His arrival marks the return of a papal tradition after Pope Francis opted to remain in Rome during his pontificate.

Leo greeted the welcoming crowd along the town’s main road. He acknowledged their support from the balcony of the villa where he will reside, sharing that he intends to take a “brief period of rest.” Before leaving the Vatican, Leo encouraged everyone to find time for vacation to rejuvenate both body and spirit.

At 69 years old, the Chicago-born leader seeks to revive the practice of staying in the cooler environment of Castel Gandolfo during Rome’s hot summer months. The area, overlooking Lake Alban, has been a favored retreat since the time of Emperor Domitian. This vacation is his first since his May 8 election, which saw him become the first American pope. His schedule includes a few public events like Masses and Sunday prayers, though time has been set aside for rest and contemplation on pressing issues.

Sister Mary Livia, from Uganda, was among those welcoming Leo. She stated, “Since he was elected he has been working tirelessly. It is time for him to gather strength for his mission.”

A Historic Retreat
Pope Urban VIII constructed the papal palace in 1624, offering popes an escape from Rome. Over time, it expanded to 136 acres, surpassing Vatican City in size. The grounds include a working farm, gardens, a Jesuit-run observatory, and an environmental education center inspired by Francis’ 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si.

Throughout history, popes have visited during summer, attracting large crowds for Sunday blessings. The estate also holds a place in recent history, as Pope Benedict XVI concluded his papacy there in February 2013. Although Francis did not summer there, he transformed the palace and gardens into a public museum, offering an ongoing tourist attraction.

Simone Mariani, a local restaurant owner, noted the museum’s impact on tourism. Despite its benefits, Patrizia Gasperini, a souvenir shop owner, expressed the town’s emotional loss with the absence of regular papal visits. “We missed the color, the movement, but summer always brought his return,” she said.

Continued Tradition and Future Hopes
As a museum, the palace is unavailable for residency, leading Leo to stay at the Villa Barberini, formerly meant for the Vatican secretary of state. Mayor Alberto De Angelis hopes Leo will visit throughout the year, as St. John Paul II often did. He also aspires for Leo to continue the tradition of writing significant church documents at Castel Gandolfo. “We hope Pope Leo creates a text with global reach from here,” he said.