Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV is poised to re-embrace a cherished papal custom, announcing his intention to retreat for part of his summer sojourn to the tranquil Pontifical Villas nestled in Castel Gandolfo. This idyllic hilltop town, commanding sweeping vistas over Lake Albano near Rome, will once again serve as the Holy Father's personal sanctuary for contemplative reflection and intimate interaction with the local faithful, signifying a meaningful restoration of a practice deeply valued by his predecessors.
According to a Tuesday pronouncement from the Prefecture of the Papal Household, His Holiness is scheduled for two distinct periods of repose at Castel Gandolfo. The initial respite will encompass the latter half of July, offering a much-anticipated reprieve from the arduous demands of the Vatican. A subsequent return is slated for the significant solemnity of the Feast of the Assumption on August 15, a pivotal date within the Catholic liturgical calendar.
The Pontiff's meticulously planned summer agenda seamlessly intertwines personal recuperation with his enduring pastoral obligations, prioritizing opportunities for communal prayer and localized spiritual communion. His July engagements will commence with his journey to the Pontifical Villas on the afternoon of Sunday, July 6. The ensuing Sunday, July 13, at 10:00 AM, Pope Leo XIV will preside over Mass at the Pontifical Parish of Saint Thomas of Villanova within Castel Gandolfo, followed by the Angelus prayer at 12:00 PM in Liberty Square, directly facing the venerable Apostolic Palace, thereby fostering a direct connection with pilgrims and area residents.
On Sunday, July 20, a Mass will be celebrated by the Holy Father at 9:30 AM in the Cathedral of Albano, after which he will again lead the Angelus prayer at noon in Liberty Square before returning to the Vatican later that same afternoon. His re-commencement of residence in Castel Gandolfo in mid-August will include a Mass on Friday, August 15, at 10:00 AM in the Pontifical Parish, succeeded by the noon-day Angelus in Liberty Square. The season's final public engagement in Castel Gandolfo will be the Angelus prayer at noon on Sunday, August 17, prior to his departure back to the Vatican later that day.
To facilitate these precious intervals of spiritual renewal and public engagement, all private audiences at the Vatican will observe a suspension throughout the entirety of July. Furthermore, the customary Wednesday General Audiences scheduled for July 2, 9, 16, and 23 will not convene. These popular weekly gatherings are projected to recommence on July 30, signaling the Holy Father's full resumption of his public schedule upon his return to Rome. This thoughtfully arranged summer itinerary powerfully underscores Pope Leo XIV's steadfast dedication to both his personal well-being and his ongoing, tangible connection with the faithful beyond the bustling confines of the Vatican City State.