Pope Leo XIV arrived at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, greeted by an exuberant crowd of well-wishers lining the barriers outside the papal palace.
Newsroom (07 July 2025, Gaudium Press) On a sunlit Sunday morning, July 6, 2025, Pope Leo XIV arrived at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, greeted by an exuberant crowd of well-wishers lining the barriers outside the papal palace. The faithful, clutching cameras and smartphones, erupted in cheers of “Viva Papa!” as the pontiff stepped forward, his white cassock catching the breeze. The picturesque hilltop town, perched southeast of Rome, came alive with a palpable sense of joy, marking the return of a centuries-old papal tradition.
For the next two weeks, until July 20, Pope Leo XIV will reside at Villa Barberini, a stately palazzo nestled within the 135-acre Castel Gandolfo estate. This retreat continues a storied custom of papal repose, one observed by pontiffs such as Pius XII, John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI since the Lateran Pact of 1929 formalized the Vatican’s sovereignty over the property. Unlike his predecessor, Pope Francis, who opted not to use Castel Gandolfo as a summer residence, Leo XIV’s decision signals a return to tradition while maintaining the estate’s accessibility to the public.
The Castel Gandolfo estate, often described as a verdant oasis, has undergone recent enhancements to accommodate the new pontiff’s well-documented appreciation for physical fitness. According to The New York Times, the property’s swimming pool has been refurbished, and a new tennis court now graces the grounds, offering the 68-year-old pope opportunities for recreation during his stay. These upgrades reflect a blend of modernity and reverence for the estate’s historical significance as a place of reflection and renewal.
A Papal Tradition Reimagined
The decision to summer at Castel Gandolfo carries deep symbolic weight. For centuries, popes have sought solace in this idyllic retreat, escaping the sweltering Roman heat for the cooler climes of the Alban Hills. The estate, encompassing manicured gardens, historic buildings, and sweeping views of Lake Albano, has long served as a sanctuary for spiritual and physical rejuvenation. Yet, Pope Francis, during his 12-year pontificate, broke with this custom, choosing instead to remain in the Vatican and transform Castel Gandolfo into a public treasure. In 2014, he opened the estate’s gardens to visitors, and in 2016, he converted the papal palace into a museum, inviting the world to explore its hallowed halls.
Pope Leo XIV’s approach strikes a balance between honoring this openness and reclaiming the estate’s role as a papal retreat. While he resides in Villa Barberini, the palace and gardens will remain accessible to tourists, ensuring that the public can continue to experience the site’s beauty and history. This dual commitment—to personal retreat and public engagement—underscores Leo’s vision of a papacy that is both introspective and outward-facing.
Local leaders have embraced the pontiff’s presence with enthusiasm. In an interview last month with ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language news partner of Catholic News Agency, Castel Gandolfo’s mayor, Alberto de Angelis, expressed delight at the pope’s return. “This will give back to the city its daily connection with the pope,” de Angelis said. “The Angelus, the visits, the contact with the people. We want to experience all of that again.” His words reflect a community eager to reconnect with the rhythms of papal life, which have long defined Castel Gandolfo’s identity.
A Public Pontiff in a Quiet Retreat
During his stay, Pope Leo XIV will maintain his pastoral duties, delivering his weekly Angelus addresses from Liberty Square (Piazza della Libertà) in front of the pontifical palace on July 13 and July 20. These public appearances, expected to draw locals and pilgrims alike, will offer moments of spiritual communion in the heart of the town. The Angelus, a traditional Catholic prayer, has historically served as a bridge between the pope and the faithful, and Leo’s commitment to delivering it in person underscores his desire to remain accessible even during his retreat.
The Vatican’s Office for Liturgical Celebrations has also announced the pope’s public Mass schedule for the coming months, signaling a busy late summer and early fall. On August 3, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate Mass at Tor Vergata University in Rome for the Jubilee of Youth, a significant event in the Church’s ongoing jubilee celebrations. On August 15, he will return to Castel Gandolfo to lead a Mass at the pontifical parish on the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, followed by the Angelus in Liberty Square.
In September, the pontiff’s schedule includes two high-profile events in Rome. On September 7, he will preside over a Mass in St. Peter’s Square for the canonization of Blesseds Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis, two young figures whose lives of faith have inspired millions. A week later, on September 14, he will participate in an ecumenical commemoration of new martyrs at St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica, honoring those who have died for their faith. On September 28, he will celebrate the Mass for the Jubilee of Catechists, also in St. Peter’s Square, highlighting the vital role of religious educators in the Church.
A Pontificate of Continuity and Renewal
Pope Leo XIV’s retreat to Castel Gandolfo is more than a vacation; it is a statement of intent. By reviving the tradition of summering at the estate, he signals a return to the rhythms of papal life that have anchored the Church for generations. Yet, his decision to keep the palace and gardens open to the public reflects a modern sensibility, one that aligns with the openness championed by Pope Francis. This blend of continuity and renewal defines Leo’s early pontificate, as he navigates the delicate balance of honoring tradition while responding to the needs of a global Church.
For the people of Castel Gandolfo, the pope’s presence is a homecoming. The town, long accustomed to the comings and goings of pontiffs, buzzes with anticipation. Shopkeepers, residents, and pilgrims alike share a sense of pride in hosting the Holy Father, their cheers of “Viva Papa!” echoing through the cobblestone streets. As Pope Leo XIV settles into Villa Barberini, he carries with him the hopes of a community—and a Church—eager for moments of connection, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from CNA
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