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3d ago

Pope León XIV Returns to Castel Gandolfo for Two-Week Summer Retreat

The pontiff’s arrival reestablishes the centuries-old papal summer tradition at Castel Gandolfo ahead of three scheduled Masses including an ecological liturgy.

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
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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.