Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV will travel today to the serene hill town of Castel Gandolfo, where he will spend time at the historic Apostolic Palace, the traditional summer retreat of the popes. The visit, confirmed by the Vatican’s Prefecture of the Pontifical Household, marks the beginning of a short period of rest and reflection for the Holy Father.
The Pope is expected to arrive at the papal residence this Sunday afternoon and will remain there through Sunday, July 20, before returning to the Vatican. Although the stay is primarily for rest, the Pontiff will remain spiritually active throughout the visit, taking part in liturgical celebrations and public blessings in the surrounding region.
As part of his schedule, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate the Holy Eucharist at the Parish of St. Thomas of Villanova in Castel Gandolfo on Sunday, July 13 at 10 a.m. A week later, on Sunday, July 20 at 9:30 a.m., he will preside over Mass at the Cathedral of Albano, a nearby diocese with historical ties to the papacy.
Both Sundays, July 13 and 20, the Pope will lead the faithful in praying the Angelus at noon, delivering his reflection and blessing from Piazza della Libertà, the central square that faces the summer palace. The appearance is expected to draw both pilgrims and local residents.
Pope Leo XIV’s retreat will extend briefly into mid-August, as the Vatican has confirmed he will again spend August 15–17 at Castel Gandolfo. The dates coincide with the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a solemnity traditionally marked with devotion by the Pope.
The Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo, perched above Lake Albano, has served as a papal summer residence since the 17th century. Its origins trace back to the Roman Emperor Domitian, whose villa once stood on the same grounds. The current structure was transformed into a papal residence by Pope Urban VIII, who commissioned major renovations between 1623 and 1644. Over the centuries, it became a place of retreat for many popes, offering cooler air and pastoral peace away from the heat of Rome.
While recent popes have varied in their use of the summer residence, Pope Leo’s visit rekindles a longstanding tradition of spiritual rest and pastoral outreach from this peaceful sanctuary in the Alban Hills.