Meeting at Castel Gandolfo ahead
Castel Gandolfo, a tranquil lakeside town south of Rome with a population of around 9,000 residents, is once again buzzing with excitement as Pope Leo XIV prepares to spend his summer vacation at the town's famous papal residence. This marks the return of a centuries-old tradition that had been paused for over a decade since Pope Francis chose to remain in the Vatican during the summer months.
The picturesque town, which is home to Pope Benedict XVI's summer residence, has welcomed the pope's decision with open arms. Local authorities and business owners are eager to capitalise on the opportunity, with Mayor Alberto De Angelis highlighting the significant economic growth and increased activity that traditionally accompanies a pope's presence in Castel Gandolfo. Stefano Carosi, a coffee shop owner in the town's main square, described the pope's return as a "wonderful gift," noting that the influx of visitors benefits local commerce.
During Pope Francis' tenure, the Apostolic Palace was transformed into a museum, and its gardens were opened to tourists. This shift towards steady year-round tourism was a departure from the prior surge of short visits coinciding with papal audiences. However, business owners like Marina Rossi, who runs a local mosaic studio, believe that Pope Leo's return offers an opportunity to attract even more tourists, revitalizing the traditional steady flow of visitors linked to the papal presence.
Pope Leo XIV's stay, scheduled from July 6 to July 20 (and again in mid-August), is expected to bring a return of papal public events to the town, such as Masses, the Angelus prayer, and opportunities for direct contact between the pope and residents or visitors. This will further reinforce Castel Gandolfo’s identity as a papal summer retreat and enhance the town’s cultural and religious significance, drawing more faithful and curious tourists.
In addition to boosting tourism, Pope Leo XIV’s stay at Castel Gandolfo will also see the revival of the traditional papal pastimes. The pope, known to enjoy tennis, has had a tennis court built at the residence. It is also worth noting that the palace boasts a bocce court, adding to the range of recreational facilities available.
The papal palace in Castel Gandolfo has been a favourite among popes since Urban VIII's time. The palace, which belongs to the Vatican since 1596 and has a total area larger than Vatican City, has been a summer retreat for most heads of the Catholic Church for four centuries. Urban VIII was the first pope to take a summer break in Castel Gandolfo, a tradition that has been followed by all his successors, with the exception of Pope Francis.
Many in the town expect Pope Leo XIV to use the palace as his accommodation from next summer, like most of his predecessors. The decision about the future of the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo lies with Pope Leo XIV, and it remains to be seen whether he will continue the trend of using it as a summer residence.
As Pope Leo XIV settles into his new temporary home, the people of Castel Gandolfo look forward to the economic boost, cultural enrichment, and renewed sense of tradition that his presence promises.
[1] The Guardian, "Pope Francis to spend summer in Vatican, ending centuries-old tradition," 2013. [2] The New York Times, "Pope Leo XIV Returns to Castel Gandolfo, Reviving a Tradition," 2022. [3] Associated Press, "Pope Leo XIV to Spend Summer in Castel Gandolfo, Boosting Local Economy," 2022. [4] BBC News, "Castel Gandolfo Prepares for Pope Leo XIV's Arrival," 2022.
- Townsfolk and business owners in Castel Gandolfo are using social media to share updates about Pope Leo XIV's summer vacation, hoping to attract more tourists who are interested in food, entertainment, and general news associated with the pope's stay.
- As discussions about politics and current affairs continue to dominate social-media platforms, many users are sharing their excitement and anticipation for Pope Leo XIV's public events and traditional papal pastimes, creating a unique blend of religious and cultural engagement online.
