Interview: The Pope’s parish priest in Castel Gandolfo 

The Pope’s parish priest for two weeks

Fr. Tadeusz Rozmus: It would be difficult for me to introduce myself as “the Pope's parish priest,” but Leo XIV will indeed be residing in our parish, which bears the title of pontifical parish and is extraterritorial (i.e. part the Vatican territory, editor’s note).

The Pope's presence will be an important moment, especially with the two Masses he’ll celebrate in our territory, on July 13 in our church and on August 15 in the Square. It’s a cause for joy and gratitude, and naturally, it also requires special effort to prepare for the event. 

I’m currently working on the seating plan for the Mass on July 13, in conjunction with the Prefecture of the Papal Household, the Liturgical Ceremonies Office, and members of the Curia. We have to take care of all the details and make choices from among many requests.

Fr. Rozmus: We have a stable core of practicing Catholics, but it’s true that we’re seeing an increase in the number of visitors from outside the parish. They’re all very happy about the pope's return, which restores an ancient tradition.

Popes have been coming to Castel Gandolfo for four centuries, and we also know that Roman emperors came here to rest as early as the first century. There are traces of a residence of the Emperor Domitian. There’s a wonderful microclimate here.

After several years of absence, the Pope's return is therefore a great cause for joy for pilgrims and the inhabitants of the village.

Close papal encounters of the pastoral kind

Fr. Rozmus: I met him three weeks ago, but for another reason: I came to Rome for the Jubilee of Motorcyclists! I'm a biker, a motorcycle enthusiast. We came with 500 bikers for this European gathering, and we attended the general audience. I was able to greet him, and he was delighted to learn that I am the parish priest of Castel Gandolfo. He told me that we’d see each other again soon!

Fr. Rozmus: The Pope will indeed be moving from the grandeur of the Vatican to something more intimate, closer, which will give him the opportunity to meet people more spontaneously. John Paul II came here often and called Castel Gandolfo the “second Vatican.” He loved these opportunities for contact that were less formal than in Rome.

Castel Gandolfo is smaller in appearance ... even though, in reality, if you look at the size of the territory, it is twice as large as the Vatican!

Chaplaincy of the Papal Villas

Fr. Rozmus: I am indeed responsible for the pastoral care of about 20 employees of the Papal Villas, in addition to the security personnel. But Castel Gandolfo now contains other organizations with a different status.

For the past two years, in accordance with Pope Francis' wishes, the teams at Borgo Laudato Si' have taken responsibility for the gardens. This involves around 50 people who are developing initiatives linked to the ecological insights of the encyclical Laudato si'.

In addition, the Vatican Museums have been directly managing the apostolic palace since it opened to visitors. Each of these institutions has its own chaplain.

Mutual affection

Many people here have indeed retained a great affection for John Paul II. They carry him in their hearts and still consider him “their” pope. But Benedict XVI was also very loved, as were Paul VI and John XXIII. Each of these popes left a deep mark on this area.

So I am very happy that Pope Leo is returning to enjoy the benefits of Castel Gandolfo. Popes need this microclimate close to Rome, the fresh air, the lake, the sea. All of this can contribute to their work and to the development of their thought.