Overview

• Pope Leo XIV arrived at Villa Barberini on July 6 to resume the centuries-old summer residence that was paused under Pope Francis
• He has suspended public and private audiences but will continue celebrating Mass and leading the Angelus prayer in local churches and the town piazza
• Vatican officials confirmed the newly constructed court is for tennis rather than padel, completing key recreational upgrades
• Italian media report preparations for horses at the estate, though the Holy See has neither confirmed nor denied those rumors
• Castel Gandolfo residents and businesses anticipate renewed pilgrimage traffic and economic benefits from the pope’s presence