Parish priest Fr. Tadeusz Rozmus hopes Pope Leo XIV enjoys prayer, rest and renewal during his summer stay in Castel Gandolfo.
Newsroom (07/07/2026 Gaudium Press ) The return of Pope Leo XIV to Castel Gandolfo for his summer stay has been met with enthusiasm and emotion among residents of the historic lakeside town, according to Father Tadeusz Rozmus, the parish priest of the Pontifical Parish of St. Thomas of Villanova.
Speaking to Vatican News, the Polish Salesian priest expressed a simple but heartfelt wish for the Holy Father’s time at the papal residence: that it be marked by peace, rest and spiritual renewal.
“Our hope is that the Holy Father will be well here in Castel Gandolfo, that he may rest and accomplish what he himself has said is the purpose of his stay: prayer, rest, reading and sport,” Father Rozmus said.
A Personal Gesture from the Pope
One of the most memorable moments of the Pope’s arrival came during his first greeting from the balcony of the Apostolic Palace, when he offered a personal acknowledgment to Father Rozmus and the parish community.
The parish priest described the gesture as completely unexpected and deeply meaningful. For him, it represented recognition of the important role played by the Pontifical Parish within Castel Gandolfo, despite the presence of several Vatican institutions that operate independently in the area.
“It was a very beautiful gesture by the Holy Father toward our entire community,” Father Rozmus said, noting that the greeting underscored the parish’s significance under Canon Law and strengthened the bond between the Pope and local faithful.
A Summer Dedicated to Rest
According to Father Rozmus, this year’s stay has a clear and distinct purpose. Pope Leo XIV has openly stated that he came to Castel Gandolfo to pray, rest, read and engage in sport, making the visit a genuine retreat from the demands of the Vatican.
Rather than placing expectations on the Pope’s schedule, the parish community hopes he will simply feel at home.
“We have no particular expectations; we simply want him to feel at home here and to spend this time peacefully, according to his own wishes,” Father Rozmus explained.
The faithful, he added, are especially looking forward to opportunities to see the Pope during the Angelus and any other encounters that may take place during the summer period.
Moments of Fatherly Closeness
Father Rozmus also reflected on the numerous opportunities he has had to meet Pope Leo XIV during the past year.
Before becoming Pope, Leo XIV frequently visited Castel Gandolfo, regularly traveling to Villa Barberini at the beginning of the week. These visits often included informal moments with pilgrims and journalists gathered outside the residence.
As parish priest, Father Rozmus was able to exchange greetings and brief conversations with him on several occasions.
“These were very beautiful moments, during which one could truly sense his fatherly closeness,” he said.
The encounters left a lasting impression and helped strengthen the connection between the future Pope and the local community. Father Rozmus expressed hope that such interactions would continue beyond the summer months.
A Lasting Memory: The Pope’s First Parish Mass
Among the priest’s most cherished memories is the Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV on July 13 during his first summer as pontiff. The celebration attracted such a large number of faithful that the Church of St. Thomas of Villanova could not accommodate everyone who wished to attend.
For Father Rozmus, however, one moment stands above all others: the presentation of a liturgical chalice gifted by the Pope to the parish.
The parish priest had the honor of accepting the gift on behalf of the community.
“He gave us a beautiful liturgical chalice,” Father Rozmus recalled. “It will remain one of the most important moments of my priestly life.”
The gesture further symbolized the close relationship that has developed between the Holy Father and the parish entrusted with serving the spiritual needs of Castel Gandolfo.
The Enduring Memory of St. John Paul II
Pope Leo XIV’s return has also revived memories of another beloved pontiff: St. John Paul II.
According to Father Rozmus, residents frequently recall the years when Popes spent summers in Castel Gandolfo, and many continue to speak affectionately of the Polish Pope.
“People spoke often about St. John Paul II,” he said. “The residents simply say: ‘He was our Pope.’”
The emotions remain strong. Father Rozmus observed people with tears in their eyes as they remembered childhood experiences linked to papal visits. For many, the return of a Pope to the Apostolic Palace represents a continuation of a cherished tradition that they feared might fade away.
Leo XIV’s presence, he said, has rekindled those memories and restored a sense of continuity with the town’s unique history.
Celebrating Four Centuries of Papal Presence
The Pope’s summer stay comes at a particularly significant moment for Castel Gandolfo. In 2026, the Church will mark the 400th anniversary of the tradition of papal summer residence in the town.
The tradition began in 1626 under Pope Urban VIII and has since linked Castel Gandolfo closely to the papacy for four centuries.
Preparations are already underway for commemorative events involving the Diocese, local authorities and the parish community.
“Together with the Diocese, the local authorities and the parish, we are preparing celebrations for this anniversary,” Father Rozmus explained.
The anniversary will provide an opportunity not only to celebrate a historic tradition but also to reflect on the lasting importance of Castel Gandolfo in the life of the Catholic Church and the papacy.
As Pope Leo XIV spends his summer in the peaceful surroundings of the Alban Hills, local residents and faithful alike hope his stay will fulfill its intended purpose—a season of prayer, rest and renewal, rooted in a centuries-old tradition that remains deeply cherished today.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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