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Pope Leo XIV went to Castel Gandolfo on Monday evening, and will spend part of Tuesday there, according to the Vatican press office. Since his election four months ago, on May 8, he has returned a few times to the place that was traditionally the popes' summer residence. It is located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) southeast of Rome.
Situated on a lake and surrounded by peaceful gardens, the residence is a way to escape both the Roman heat and the flurry of noise and activity.
"The Pope will travel this evening to the Barberini Palace in Castel Gandolfo, where he will continue his activities tomorrow, during which no audiences are scheduled," said a brief message released by the Press Office on Monday.
Tuesday is usually a day without public engagements for popes.
"The Pope will return to the Vatican tomorrow afternoon," the statement said.
Weekly rest day?
According to the Italian news agency ANSA, Leo XIV may visit Castel Gandolfo regularly on this day of relative rest on Tuesdays, thus establishing a weekly tradition.
After staying there from July 6-22, and then from August 13-19, the Pope returned to Castel Gandolfo on September 5 to inaugurate the Borgo Laudato si'. This ecological site was commissioned by Pope Francis, although the Argentine pontiff rarely visited this village in the Castelli Romani.
Conversely, his successor has repeatedly expressed his need for nature and to take time off outside the Vatican.
