Pope Leo XIV arrived Sunday in Castel Gandolfo to begin a six-week vacation, marking the return of a centuries-old papal tradition that had been paused for more than a decade.
The 69-year-old pontiff, elected in May as the first American pope, greeted cheering residents of the hilltop town south of Rome before settling in at the Villa Barberini, a residence on the sprawling papal estate overlooking Lake Alban.
For generations, popes have retreated to Castel Gandolfo during Rome’s sweltering summers to rest and reflect. Pope Francis, who preferred to remain in the Vatican, broke that custom, turning the historic palace into a public museum that kept tourists flowing year-round. While local businesses appreciated the steady visitors, many residents missed the rhythm and ceremony of regular papal stays.
Leo’s vacation follows a whirlwind early tenure marked by inaugural audiences, public appearances, and the start of Holy Year events. Vatican officials say he plans to spend time resting, reading, and considering the pressing issues facing the Catholic Church. Although largely a period of rest, he will still preside over Sunday prayers, Masses, and some engagements back in Rome.
The papal estate, built in the 17th century, is larger than Vatican City and includes manicured gardens, a working farm, and an astronomical observatory. Past popes have used their time there to draft significant documents and encyclicals. Castel Gandolfo’s mayor expressed hope that Pope Leo will continue that tradition and use the estate for regular retreats beyond summer.
Source: Axios