Pope Leo XIV Revives Tradition with Summer Retreat to Castel Gandolfo

After a whirlwind of public engagements since his election, Pope Leo XIV has decided to take a well-deserved vacation, choosing the scenic Castel Gandolfo as his retreat. This picturesque town, located 15 miles southeast of Rome, has been a traditional summer residence for popes for centuries, offering a serene escape from the heat of the city. Nestled in the hills above Lake Albano, Castel Gandolfo stands at 1,400 feet above sea level and is often referred to as an 'antechamber of paradise' due to its breathtaking views. Pope Leo arrived on Sunday and plans to spend two weeks there, returning in mid-August to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption on August 15, which coincides with Italy’s national holiday, Ferragosto. Historically, Castel Gandolfo served as a refuge during World War II for Jewish refugees and was recently popularized as the backdrop for Netflix's film 'The Two Popes,' which depicted the contrasting visions of former popes Benedict XVI and Francis. While Pope Francis opted for a staycation at Casa Santa Marta, Leo is reviving the tradition of summer vacations outside the Vatican—an inviting change that is welcomed by the residents of Castel Gandolfo. Unlike his predecessors, Leo XIV will not be staying in the historic papal palace that dates back to 1596; instead, he will reside at Villa Barberini, located within the gardens of a former Roman emperor's villa. This modern residence features a terrace overlooking Lake Albano, and it is equipped with amenities like a swimming pool and proximity to local tennis clubs, allowing the pope time to relax and recharge. The townsfolk of Castel Gandolfo, numbering around 8,900, heavily rely on tourism, and Leo's presence is expected to bolster the local economy. Residents had expressed a sense of loss during Francis' papacy when the papal presence was diminished, missing out on the social and economic uplift that the pope's visits brought. While at Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV will engage in public prayers, including a Mass at a local cathedral and the Sunday Angelus prayer in the town’s central piazza, allowing for a more intimate connection with the community compared to the Vatican's apostolic palace. Mayor Alberto de Angelis praised the pope's trip, expressing a hope that Leo would engage with local residents and experience the town's offerings. Castel Gandolfo serves as a symbolic neighbor to the Vatican, known for welcoming a diverse array of visitors. Although Francis opened Vatican gardens to the public, Leo's decision to spend his vacation here is expected to have a significant positive impact on local commerce. The Vatican estate at Castel Gandolfo encompasses 135 acres rich in both gardens and farmland, hosting the historical Vatican Observatory dedicated to astronomy. Francis initiated environmental efforts through a project named after his encyclical 'Laudato Si,'' promoting ecological stewardship. Continuing in this vein, Pope Leo plans to celebrate a private Mass surrounding ecological care with staff at this site during his stay. Additionally, local advocates for sustainability, like Valentina Biagini, are collaborating to develop a sustainable tourism model, hoping Leo's visit will not incite overwhelming crowds but instead lead to responsible tourism in the future. In essence, Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Castel Gandolfo encapsulates the intricate balance between tradition, community connection, and the necessity of taking a break in this fast-paced world, signaling that even the pontiff seeks moments of peace and reflection. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2