Meeting you at Castel Gandolfo.
In a significant move reminiscent of his predecessors, Pope Leo XIV has chosen to spend the Maria-Himmelfahrt weekend on August 15th at Castel Gandolfo, marking a return to a tradition that was briefly suspended during the papacy of Pope Francis.
Castel Gandolfo, a charming town located about 15 miles southeast of Rome, has served as the summer residence of the popes for over four centuries. With origins dating back to the early 17th century, the site was initially owned by the noble Gandolfi family, who built a fortress that gave the town its name. In 1596, Pope Clement VIII acquired the property for the Papal States, and in the 17th century, Pope Urban VIII commissioned the construction of the Apostolic Palace, establishing it as the official papal summer residence.
The estate's strategic location and cooler climate, thanks to lake breezes from Lake Albano, have made it an ideal retreat for popes seeking respite from the demands of the Vatican during the hottest months. Throughout history, most popes have used Castel Gandolfo as their summer home, with the palace and gardens serving as private spaces for relaxation, prayer, and governance.
Pope Benedict XVI, for instance, temporarily resided at Castel Gandolfo after his surprise resignation, while Pope John Paul II caused a media frenzy when paparazzi caught him relaxing by the swimming pool he had built on the estate. In a departure from tradition, Pope Francis opted to rest at home and did not take vacations as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, nor did he reside at Castel Gandolfo during summers. Instead, he opened the Apostolic Palace and its Barberini Gardens to the public, transforming it into a museum complex and converting the estate's farm into an ecological project named Borgo Laudato Si.
Pope Leo XIV, who has been in office for just two months, has now resumed the tradition of using Castel Gandolfo as his summer residence. He will be staying at Villa Barberini, a side building in the city center of Castel Gandolfo, while the main Apostolic Palace continues to function as a museum. The decision about the future of the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo as a tourist attraction lies with Pope Leo XIV.
In another nod to tradition, Pope Leo XIV has had a tennis court built in Castel Gandolfo, where he enjoys playing the sport. The Pope will give the weekly Angelus prayer in Castel Gandolfo next week, and he has cancelled all audiences during his vacation. Pope Leo XIV will return to Rome for a brief period on July 20th.
The tradition of popes spending their summers at Castel Gandolfo underscores its dual role as a place of rest and spiritual retreat for popes for roughly 400 years. Its significance continues both as a historical site open to the public and as a living symbol of papal tradition, blending religious, cultural, and ecological values.
Castel Gandolfo, also known for its home-and-garden aesthetics, has been a popular summer retreat for popes seeking a peaceful lifestyle away from the demands of the Vatican. As Pope Leo XIV resumes the tradition of using Castel Gandolfo as his summer residence, he has introduced a new aspect to the estate, constructing a tennis court to enjoy his hobby while embracing the historic lifestyle associated with the papal summer home.
