A Papal Retreat: Pope Leo’s Summer Break in Castel Gandolfo
Pope Leo XIV has revived the centuries-old tradition of taking a summer break outside Rome, opting to spend two weeks at the papal retreat of Castel Gandolfo. This decision marks a departure from his predecessor, Pope Francis, who chose to stay in the Vatican during summers. Castel Gandolfo, with its stunning Renaissance-style gardens and picturesque location on the shores of Lake Albano, offers a serene escape from the sweltering Roman heat. The town, home to around 8,900 residents, is eagerly anticipating a tourism boost during the Pope’s stay, which will conclude on July 20.
A Schedule of Rest and Reflection
During his stay, Pope Leo is expected to keep a relatively low profile, dedicating time to rest and reflection. However, he will make public appearances at religious celebrations on July 13 and July 20. The Pope will also return to Castel Gandolfo in August for a few days around the Catholic Feast of the Assumption, further solidifying his commitment to reviving papal traditions. This break will likely provide Pope Leo with an opportunity to focus on pressing issues facing the Catholic Church, including liturgical unity, artificial intelligence, and clergy abuse cases
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