The Vatican has announced that Pope Leo XIV will proceed for a summer rest period at the papal villas in Castel Gandolfo between July 6 July, 20 & August 15 – 17. Castel Gandolfo is a small village on the shores of Lake Albano, which is home to only about 8,900 people.
Pope Leo’s visit to Gandolfo is seen as a revival of a 400-year-old tradition often practiced by previous Pontiffs who sought refuge from the scorching summer heat.
The centuries-old tradition was however abandoned by Pope Francis during his 12-year papacy. Francis chose not to take vacations, spending summer time in his Vatican residence at Casa Santa Marta.
In the meantime, the town’s mayor and shop owners are optimistic that the Pope’s visit will boost tourism. They say that Leo’s stay for the first time in 12 years, will attract more tourists
“Pope Leo has given us a wonderful gift,” Stefano Carosi, the owner of a coffee shop on the town’s main square, said. “The pope has always been important here, because he attracts people.”
Mayor Alberto De Angelis said residents were excited about the visit. “The presence of the popes in Castel Gandolfo has always meant a lot of activity, a lot of economic growth,” he said.
While Leo is expected to stay out of the public eye, residing behind a gated wall in a Vatican-owned building, residents and tourists in Castel Gandolfo will have the opportunity to see him at religious celebrations on July 13 and 20.
