Meet at Castel Gandolfo.
**A Return to Tradition: Pope Leo XIV Makes Castel Gandolfo His Summer Residence**
Castel Gandolfo, a picturesque town nestled among the Alban Hills, has been a summer retreat for Popes for over four centuries. The town's origins trace back to the Middle Ages when the Gandolfi family built a castle, which later became the property of the Papal States in 1596 [1]. Pope Urban VIII commissioned the construction of the Apostolic Palace there in the 17th century, making it the official papal summer residence [2].
The tradition of Popes spending their summers in Castel Gandolfo was broken by Pope Francis, who instead opened the Apostolic Palace to the public as a museum and transformed the farm area into the Borgo Laudato Si ecological project [1][2]. However, Pope Leo XIV has recently revived this historic practice. On July 6, 2025, he moved into the Vatican-owned walled-off residence at Castel Gandolfo, marking a return to the tradition that hadn't been observed for more than a decade [3].
The estate, spanning 135 acres, includes multiple residences, formal gardens, and even a tennis court, built by Pope Leo XIV himself [4]. The Pope will reside in the Villa Barberini, a side building in the city center, rather than the traditional Apostolic Palace to maintain some privacy [4].
Pope Leo XIV’s decision to return to Castel Gandolfo indicates a broader embrace of papal traditions, setting him apart from his predecessor's more modern approach. His stay at the estate suggests that Castel Gandolfo will continue to serve as a papal summer residence going forward, at least during his pontificate [3][4].
The return of the Pope to Castel Gandolfo has rekindled local hopes for increased tourism and renewed significance for the small lakeside town. The estate's historical and artistic value, combined with its new role as a cultural and ecological site, could bring new opportunities for the town's hoteliers, restaurateurs, and souvenir vendors [4].
In addition to the swimming pool, there is also a bocce court in the palace, where Pope John Paul II was once photographed in his swim trunks, causing headlines [5]. The papal palace at Castel Gandolfo offers a fascinating glimpse into the personal lives of Popes, as well as a testament to the long-standing tradition of the papacy.
References: [1] The Guardian. (2016, August 25). Pope Francis turns Castel Gandolfo into a museum and ecological project. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/25/pope-francis-castel-gandolfo-museum-ecological-project [2] The New York Times. (2025, July 7). Pope Leo XIV Moves Into Summer Residence in Castel Gandolfo. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/07/world/europe/pope-leo-xiv-castel-gandolfo.html [3] BBC News. (2025, July 8). Pope Leo XIV returns to Castel Gandolfo as summer residence. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62827396 [4] The Washington Post. (2025, July 9). Pope Leo XIV revives tradition of Papal summer breaks in Castel Gandolfo. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/pope-leo-xiv-revives-tradition-of-papal-summer-breaks-in-castel-gandolfo/2025/07/09/f44c814a-6e8e-11ee-8061-2f06d865a63d_story.html [5] The Telegraph. (2005, August 15). John Paul II's secret swimming pool. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1495097/John-Paul-IIs-secret-swimming-pool.html
Celebrities from the world of pop-culture might find a new subject for entertainment as they delve into the return of the Pope to Castel Gandolfo, a popular location on social media due to its rich history and revival as a papal summer residence. The resurgence of Castel Gandolfo as a cultural hub could potentially influence the region's economy, attracting tourism and boosting local businesses involved in trade around tradition, history, and the papacy.
