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Pope Leo XIV Begins Centuries-Old Summer Retreat at Castel Gandolfo

His arrival pauses Vatican audiences until July 23, setting the stage for public religious celebrations on July 13 and 20.

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
People walk in the town of Castel Gandolfo, near Rome, where Pope Leo will spend two weeks of vacation in July, Italy, July 1, 2025. REUTERS/Remo Casilli
People sit at a restaurant overlooking Lake Albano in Castel Gandolfo, near Rome, where Pope Leo will spend two weeks of vacation in July, Italy, July 1, 2025. REUTERS/Remo Casilli

Overview

  • Pope Leo XIV began his two-week retreat at Castel Gandolfo on July 6, marking his first summer stay there in 12 years.
  • He is lodging in a Vatican-owned residence rather than the historic papal palace to keep the palace museum and gardens open to visitors.
  • Public Vatican audiences are suspended through July 23 in line with tradition during papal retreats.
  • The pope will hold public Mass and Angelus blessings on July 13 and July 20 despite spending most of his stay off-site.
  • Residents and business owners are expecting a surge in tourism and local economic activity during his visit.