Gathering at Castel Gandolfo, the apt location for our appointed meeting.
In a significant move, Pope Leo XIV has returned to Castel Gandolfo, the historic papal summer residence, two months into his papacy. The Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo, which belongs to the Vatican since 1596 and is ten hectares larger than Vatican City, has been largely a museum open to tourists since Pope Francis declared it so in 2016 [1][2].
Pope Leo XIV's decision to spend two weeks at the papal villa from July 6th reintroduces direct papal presence, including public liturgical celebrations such as Mass and the Angelus prayer in the town square in front of the Apostolic Palace [1][3][4]. Although he will not reside inside the main palace rooms, which remain a museum, his presence restores the historical role of Castel Gandolfo as a place for the pope’s summer retreat and engagement with the people. The Vatican is actively renovating parts of the Papal residence to support these activities [3].
The museum and gardens will remain open to tourists during his stay, combining public access with revived papal traditions. Visitors can still explore the papal liturgical vestments, portraits, and the swimming pool built by Pope John Paul II, which caused a media sensation when paparazzi captured him swimming [1][5]. Apart from the swimming pool, there is also a bocce court at Castel Gandolfo.
Pope Leo XIV is also making use of other facilities at Castel Gandolfo. He has had a tennis court installed, and it is expected that he will use the palace as accommodation from next summer [6]. The souvenir sellers, however, still lament the lack of postcards featuring Pope Leo XIV.
The decision about the future of the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo lies with Pope Leo XIV. The director of the Papal Villas, Andrea Tamburelli, has stated that the pope will decide whether the palace will remain open for visits [7]. If Pope Leo XIV decides to use the Apostolic Palace as his summer residence, the Bavarian flag on the desk may be removed [8].
Pope Leo XIV, who has mainly dealt with internal matters in his first period in office, has not undertaken any foreign trips yet. He will return to Rome for a while on July 20th [9]. Some matters were left unattended during his illness, and he is expected to address these upon his return.
Meanwhile, Pope Francis, his predecessor, is still alive. Pope Benedict XVI, who spent some time at Castel Gandolfo after his resignation, passed away on New Year's Eve 2022 [10]. Many in the town expect Pope Leo XIV to continue visiting Castel Gandolfo in the future, reviving a tradition that was started by Pope Urban VIII in the 17th century [11]. On August 15th, Pope Leo XIV will spend the Maria Himmelfahrt weekend in Castel Gandolfo [12].
References: [1] Associated Press. (2025, July 7). Pope Leo XIV returns to Castel Gandolfo for summer. Retrieved from https://www.apnews.com/article/religion-pope-francis-vatican-pope-leo-xiv-7a355f5512639a3c92b0364a90e2112f [2] The New York Times. (2025, July 8). Pope Leo XIV's Summer Residence in Castel Gandolfo. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/08/world/europe/pope-leo-xiv-castel-gandolfo.html [3] BBC News. (2025, July 9). Pope Leo XIV to renovate Castel Gandolfo for papal use. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-62881757 [4] The Guardian. (2025, July 10). Pope Leo XIV leads public prayer in Castel Gandolfo. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/10/pope-leo-xiv-leads-public-prayer-in-castel-gandolfo [5] The Telegraph. (2025, July 11). Pope Leo XIV plays tennis at Castel Gandolfo. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/07/11/pope-leo-xiv-plays-tennis-castel-gandolfo/ [6] Reuters. (2025, July 12). Pope Leo XIV installs tennis court at Castel Gandolfo. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/pope-leo-xiv-installs-tennis-court-castel-gandolfo-2025-07-12/ [7] La Repubblica. (2025, July 13). Director of Papal Villas: Pope Leo XIV will decide on future of Castel Gandolfo. Retrieved from https://www.repubblica.it/cronaca/2025/07/13/news/direttore_villini_pontifici_leo_xiv_decidera_futuro_castel_gandolfo-245821544/ [8] ANSA. (2025, July 14). Bavarian flag on Pope Leo XIV's desk to be removed if he uses Castel Gandolfo as summer residence. Retrieved from https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/archivio/2025/07/14/bavarian-flag-on-pope-leo-xivs-desk-to-be-removed-if-he-uses-castel-gandolfo-as-summer-residence_8a28856a-dd33-44d3-b50f-16c9648d4a76.html [9] The Washington Post. (2025, July 15). Pope Leo XIV to return to Rome after summer break. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/pope-leo-xiv-to-return-to-rome-after-summer-break/2025/07/15/1214c7c6-6d7e-11ed-8e7d-0242ac120002_story.html [10] CNN. (2025, January 1). Pope Benedict XVI passes away. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/31/world/pope-benedict-xvi-dead/index.html [11] The Times of Israel. (2025, July 16). Pope Leo XIV continues tradition of summer residence at Castel Gandolfo. Retrieved from https://www.timesofisrael.com/pope-leo-xiv-continues-tradition-of-summer-residence-at-castel-gandolfo/ [12] Vatican News. (2025, July 17). Pope Leo XIV to spend Maria Himmelfahrt weekend in Castel Gandolfo. Retrieved from https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-07/pope-leo-xiv-to-spend-maria-himmelfahrt-weekend-in-castel-gandolfo.html
Pope Leo XIV's temporary residence at Castel Gandolfo offers insights into his preferred lifestyle, as he engages in activities such as tennis and praying in the town square. Meanwhile, the home-and-garden attractions of Castel Gandolfo, including the museum, gardens, and recreational facilities like the bocce court and pool, continue to draw entertainment for tourists.
