The pontiff returns to the papal summer residence, blending rest with ecological engagement and local community support.
A Return to a Peaceful Legacy
After months of intense public and private engagements following his election, Pope Leo XIV has chosen to spend two weeks at Castel Gandolfo, reviving a long-standing papal tradition of summer retreats to the hilltop town just 15 miles southeast of Rome. Nestled 1,400 feet above sea level and overlooking the tranquil Lake Albano, Castel Gandolfo has served for centuries as a serene escape from Rome’s summer heat.
Pope Leo, the first American pontiff, arrived on Sunday and is scheduled to return for the Feast of the Assumption on August 15, Italy’s national holiday. His stay marks a departure from his predecessor Francis, who chose to remain in the Vatican during summer and transformed the papal palace into a museum open to the public.
Villa Barberini, Not the Palace
Although Pope Leo is reviving the tradition, he’s not staying in the historical palace itself. Instead, he is residing at the nearby Villa Barberini, a residence within the expansive Vatican gardens that offers sweeping views of Lake Albano. The villa is built around the ruins of a Roman emperor’s villa and includes access to a pool and tennis club, amenities once favored by Pope John Paul II.
This retreat is not purely for leisure. The pope is expected to lead Mass on July 13 and 20 in local churches and will also guide the Angelus prayer from the main piazza, offering residents a more personal connection than the traditional Vatican balcony address. On August 15, he will repeat the public prayer ceremony in Castel Gandolfo.
A Boost to the Town’s Economy
Castel Gandolfo’s 8,900 residents depend heavily on tourism. The mayor, Alberto de Angelis, sees the pope’s visit as a major benefit, describing it as a gesture of “affection, gratitude and recognition” for the town. During Francis’ papacy, the absence of the pope’s physical presence was felt both economically and socially, as local businesses and cultural life had previously thrived around the papal visits.
The mayor hopes Pope Leo will interact with the community beyond the Vatican estate. “We hope he doesn’t stay only on his property,” he said, encouraging the pontiff to visit shops, meet citizens, and support local establishments such as the town’s restaurants and the renowned mosaic workshop La Musa Mosaici.
Sustainability and Spiritual Leadership
In line with Pope Francis’ environmental initiatives, Pope Leo’s visit includes participation in Borgo Laudato Si’, a Vatican ecological project that promotes sustainability. On July 9, he will celebrate a private Mass for project staff using new liturgical texts focused on environmental stewardship, underscoring his commitment to care of creation.
Castel Gandolfo is also home to the Vatican Observatory and contains over 135 acres of gardens and farmland. Local environmental consultant Valentina Biagini noted the importance of balancing the pope’s visit with sustainable tourism goals. She expressed concern about overwhelming the area with visitors, emphasizing the need for a measured, eco-conscious approach.
Pope Leo visited the villa three days prior to his official arrival, personally overseeing final preparations. During his stay, aside from the scheduled liturgies, he is expected to remain largely out of public view — sending a subtle but powerful message about the value of rest in a constantly connected world.