Pope Leo XIV arrived at the papal summer residence, Castel Gandolfo, on Sunday, July 6, 2025, in the late afternoon.
Smiling and approachable, the Pope greeted passers-by as he walked a few meters along the road, then appeared on the balcony of the Villa Barberini, where he will stay until July 20.
Despite the high temperatures, dozens of residents waited for the Pope in this village south of Rome.
According to a video released by the Vatican press office on Monday, Leo XIV was greeted by welcome banners and took the time to shake hands and bless children in the small crowd that gathered.
On the steps of the Villa Barberini, the Pontiff was greeted by the mayor of the village, the bishop of the diocese of Albano, Vincenzo Viva, who expressed his hopes that he feel “at home” here, and the parish priest of Castel Gandolfo, Father Tadeusz Rozmus.
“Popes need this microclimate near Rome, the fresh air, the lake, the sea,” the parish priest told I.MEDIA a few days earlier.
Leo's schedule will be very light, but he will celebrate a Mass “for the protection of Creation” with the staff on July 9, then Sunday Mass in the parish church of Castel Gandolfo on July 13, and finally for a Mass at the cathedral of Albano on July 20.
On the two Sundays, the Pope will also recite the Angelus prayer in the Piazza della Libertà, in the center of the village.
By taking this vacation in Castel Gandolfo, Leo XIV is reviving a summer tradition dear to contemporary popes but which had been abandoned by Pope Francis.
The Pontiff will also return to Castel in August for the weekend of the Assumption of Mary.
