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Pope Leo XIV Returns to Castel Gandolfo for Six-Week Summer Retreat

At Villa Barberini he has halted formal audiences, maintained Mass and Angelus services, scheduled his return after the Feast of the Assumption.

Overview

  • Leo XIV began his six-week retreat on July 6, becoming the first pope to summer at Castel Gandolfo since 2013.
  • He and his Swiss Guards are residing in the renovated Villa Barberini, which features a restored tennis court for the athletic pontiff.
  • Formal public and private audiences will be suspended through July 30 to allow focused rest and reflection.
  • The pope will celebrate Mass on July 13 and 20 and lead Angelus prayers in the local piazza, preserving key spiritual duties.
  • Local business owners anticipate a tourism and economic boost, with preparations under way for his mid-August return for the Feast of the Assumption.