Overview
- Pope León XIV arrived at Castel Gandolfo on July 6, walking the final meters on foot before greeting locals from the Villa Barberini balcony.
- Extensive renovations at the 55-hectare estate, especially at Villa Barberini, were completed in time for his stay with heightened security by Vatican Guards and Italian Police.
- He will preside over three Masses during his two-week retreat, one of which is the first ecological liturgy in Church history dedicated to the protection of creation.
- Two newly commissioned Italian-made Papamobiles were delivered for his use both at the summer residence and on future travels.
- The estate’s agricultural zones have resumed daily train shipments of produce to the Vatican, reinforcing the logistical ties between Castel Gandolfo and Vatican City.