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Castel Gandolfo Readies for Pope Leo XIV’s Return to Centuries-Old Summer Retreat

Castel Gandolfo finalizes security with paused audiences in readiness for Pope Leo XIV’s two-week July retreat promising a tourism boost

Father Tadeusz Rozmu walks in the San Tommaso da Villanova church of the town of Castel Gandolfo, a historic summer retreat for popes about 30 kilometers southeast of Rome, where Pope Leo XIV will be spending a short period of rest, is seen Wednesday, July 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
FILE - Pope Leo XIV arrives in St. Peter's Square to hold his weekly general audience, at the Vatican, Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File)
People walk in front of the Apostolic Palace in the central square of the town of Castel Gandolfo, near Rome, Italy, July 1, 2025. REUTERS/Remo Casilli
A general view of the town of Castel Gandolfo overlooking Lake Albano, near Rome, where Pope Leo will spend two weeks of vacation in July, Italy, July 1, 2025. REUTERS/Remo Casilli

Overview

  • Pope Leo XIV will stay at a Vatican-owned residence in Castel Gandolfo from July 6 to 20, marking the first papal visit to the town in 12 years
  • The Apostolic Palace and its Renaissance gardens remain open as a public museum throughout the pope’s retreat
  • The Vatican has suspended all public and private audiences from July 2 through July 23, with normal sessions set to resume on July 30
  • Security measures are in place for two scheduled public Mass and Angelus celebrations on July 13 and July 20
  • Local business owners and the mayor expect a surge of visitors and economic activity driven by the papal presence