At the end of the Angelus on July 20, 2025, Pope Leo XIV announced that he is extending his stay in Castel Gandolfo by “a few days,” before returning to Rome.
The Holy Father will be back in the Vatican on Tuesday, and the end of the month promises to be busy with some 800,000 young people expected in Rome for the Jubilee.
The Holy See later specified that the head of the Catholic Church will return to the Vatican on Tuesday evening.
"In a few days I will return to the Vatican, after these two weeks that I have stayed here in Castel Gandolfo. I would like to thank all of you for your hospitality and wish all of you a happy Sunday!” Pope Leo XIV told the faithful gathered at noon for the Angelus prayer in the Piazza della Libertà in Castel Gandolfo.
The Pope was originally scheduled to return to Rome on Sunday afternoon, July 20.
Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, confirmed that his return will take place on Tuesday evening.
ALBERTO PIZZOLI | AFP
In Castel Gandolfo, Leo XIV does not occupy the Apostolic Palace — the former summer residence of Popes Benedict XVI, John Paul II, and their predecessors — as it has been converted into a museum by Pope Francis. He resides in Villa Barberini, another residence belonging to the Holy See.
Another bit of summer
Leo XIV will return to Castel Gandolfo on August 15 to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption.
During his stay in Castel Gandolfo, the Holy Father has not completely stopped working. On July 9, three days after his arrival in the small town, the Pope received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During this meeting, he reiterated his willingness to host “negotiations” between the Russian and Ukrainian parties at the Vatican.
On July 12, he also received members of eight religious congregations in audience, celebrated Mass the following day at the parish of Castel Gandolfo, and recited the Angelus in Piazza della Libertà.
On July 20, he went to the cathedral of Albano to preside over Mass.
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The end of July and the beginning of August are expected to be busy for Pope Leo XIV. Hundreds of thousands of young people are invited to Rome to experience a Jubilee from July 28 to August 3.
According to the Italian press, some 800,000 people are expected on August 2 and 3 for the final vigil with Pope Leo XIV and the closing Mass of the Jubilee in Tor Vergata, on the outskirts of Rome.
