As Pope Leo XIV steps away from his papal duties to spend a few restful days at the Pontifical Villas in Castel Gandolfo from July 6 to 20, the Vatican reflects on how his predecessors viewed and valued vacation time. Far from simply being a break from work, the Popes have offered profound insights over the years into how holidays can renew both body and soul.
For many Popes, vacations have never been about mere idleness. They have viewed holidays as an essential moment to step back from the hectic rhythm of life and turn toward what truly matters: nature, prayer, personal growth, and deeper relationships. Pope Paul VI poetically described nature as “God’s book” an open, wondrous creation through which humanity can reflect on the Creator. During time off, he urged people not to waste their days on trivial pursuits but instead to engage in reading, explore new places, and build meaningful friendships. For Paul VI, vacations were a time for “intelligent and vigilant” recreation moments of joy coupled with awareness and purpose.
This sentiment was echoed by Pope John Paul II, who often found peace in the mountains and forests. For him, a holiday was truly rejuvenating only when it restored inner harmony a balance between oneself, others, and the natural world. He believed that meeting others during travel and spending time in selfless companionship gave deeper meaning to leisure. But he also issued a gentle warning: to avoid the consumerism that often distorts the meaning of rest, especially among the youth. Vacations should not become escapes from moral responsibility or health, he insisted, but should instead promote wholesome renewal.
Pope Benedict XVI, too, placed great value on connecting with nature during holiday periods. He spoke of the deep personal rediscovery that occurs when one retreats from city noise and embraces the quietude of the mountains. In the stillness of creation, Benedict believed, people could recognize their true identity not only as part of nature but as beings capable of communion with the Divine. For him, holidays were a sacred time to pray more deeply, read more intentionally, and reflect on the mystery of life.
More recently, Pope Francis has emphasized that even during travel and summer excursions, there remains a unique opportunity to encounter the Lord. Speaking at the Angelus in August 2017, he encouraged believers to use vacation as a time to strengthen both body and soul, turning every moment into part of a spiritual journey. Francis especially remembered those who cannot afford a vacation due to illness, age, work, or financial struggles. He urged the faithful to keep them in mind and ensure that even their summer days are made lighter by kindness and moments of joy.
From contemplation under starry skies to simple walks through the countryside, from quiet reading to new friendships, the Popes have consistently offered a vision of vacation that goes beyond entertainment. In their words, holidays become not just a break but a blessing.