Pope Leo XIV arrives in Castel Gandolfo for a summer retreat, greeting faithful, offering blessings, and emphasizing unity and prayer.
Newsroom (06/07/2026 Gaudium Press ) Pope Leo XIV arrived in Castel Gandolfo on July 5 to begin a period of summer rest, warmly greeting faithful gathered in Piazza della Libertà from the balcony of the Apostolic Palace and emphasizing the importance of fraternity, prayer, and community.
The Pope’s arrival was marked by a banner displayed from the balcony of the Apostolic Palace, signaling his presence to the crowd assembled in the town square. His visit follows an apostolic journey to Lampedusa and the celebration of the Angelus earlier the same day in St. Peter’s Square.
According to a statement from the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household, Pope Leo will remain in Castel Gandolfo, located southeast of Rome in Italy’s Lazio region, until Monday, July 27. The stay continues the long-standing tradition of popes spending part of the summer in the lakeside town, a period typically dedicated to rest and reflection away from the Vatican’s demanding schedule.
A Warm Welcome from the Local Community
Appearing before the gathered faithful, Pope Leo expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic reception he received from residents and pilgrims who had been eagerly awaiting his arrival.
“Good evening, good evening, Castel Gandolfo!” the Pope greeted the crowd.
He went on to share his appreciation for the opportunity to spend the coming weeks in the town, outlining a schedule focused on spiritual renewal and personal reflection.
“Thank you. I am very happy to be here among you and to spend the next few weeks with a little rest, a little prayer, a little reading, and, hopefully, a little sport here in Castel Gandolfo!” he said.
The pontiff also highlighted the value of human connection and communal gathering, stressing that coming together remains an essential aspect of Christian life.
“Coming together is always an important moment, and I am happy that you are all here. Thank you for your welcome, and thank you for being brothers and sisters.”
Blessing and Assurance of Prayer
The Pope’s remarks were met with applause and cheers of “Welcome!” from those gathered in the square. In response, he offered his blessing and assured the faithful of his continued prayers during his stay.
Pope Leo indicated that local residents and visitors would see him again during the Sunday Angelus celebrations and possibly during other appearances throughout the month.
“I assure you of my prayers always, but especially during the coming weeks… May God always accompany you!” he said before concluding his brief address.
A Month Dedicated to Rest and Reflection
The Castel Gandolfo residence will serve as the Pope’s home during a period designed for rest, prayer, reading, and spiritual renewal. As part of this temporary summer schedule, all general audiences, along with private and special audiences, have been suspended.
General audiences are scheduled to resume on Wednesday, August 5, following the conclusion of the Pope’s stay.
During his time in Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo also acknowledged the pastor and parish community of St. Thomas of Villanova, where he is set to celebrate Mass on July 13, 2025.
Throughout the Sundays of July, the traditional Angelus prayer will be held in Piazza della Libertà, allowing pilgrims and residents to continue participating in public moments of prayer with the pontiff during his retreat.
A Message of Brotherhood
Though brief, Pope Leo XIV’s first appearance in Castel Gandolfo carried a clear message centered on unity, gratitude, and spiritual companionship. By thanking those gathered for being “brothers and sisters,” the Pope underscored a theme that has remained central to his public ministry: the importance of community and mutual support within the Church.
As he begins several weeks of rest and prayer in Castel Gandolfo, the Pope has signaled that even during a period of reduced official activity, his focus remains on fostering closeness with the faithful and encouraging a spirit of fraternity among believers.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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