Castel Gandolfo: Pope Leo XIV received a joyful welcome from residents and pilgrims as he arrived in Castel Gandolfo, the traditional summer retreat of the Popes located southeast of Rome. Shortly after his arrival, the Pope appeared on the balcony of the Apostolic Palace and greeted the large crowd gathered in Piazza della Libertà.
The arrival of the Pope brought excitement to the town, where people had been waiting to welcome him for his summer stay. A banner hanging from the balcony of the Apostolic Palace marked the occasion as the faithful filled the square below.
Pope Leo arrived in Castel Gandolfo after a busy period that included his apostolic journey to Lampedusa and the Sunday Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square. He travelled to the town in Italy's Lazio region on Sunday afternoon and is expected to remain there for a period of rest until Monday, July 27.
The Vatican has said that the Pope's stay will offer him time away from his regular schedule of meetings and official duties. During these weeks, he is expected to spend time in prayer, reading, rest and physical activity.
Speaking briefly from the balcony, Pope Leo expressed his happiness at being in Castel Gandolfo and thanked the local community for the warm reception.
He greeted the crowd with a cheerful good evening and said he was pleased to spend the coming weeks among them. The Pope explained that he hoped to use the period for rest, prayer, reading and some sport.
The Pope also reflected on the importance of people coming together. He thanked those gathered in the square for welcoming him and encouraged a spirit of unity and fraternity.
The crowd responded with applause and welcoming cheers. Before leaving the balcony, Pope Leo offered his blessing and assured the people of his prayers, particularly during the weeks he would spend in Castel Gandolfo.
He also told the faithful that they would see him again during the Sunday Angelus prayers and possibly on other occasions during his stay. He concluded by praying that God would always accompany the people.
Pope Leo also extended greetings to the pastor and parish community of St. Thomas of Villanova in Castel Gandolfo. The church has already played a role in his relationship with the local community, as he celebrated Mass there on July 13, 2025.
The Pope's summer stay in Castel Gandolfo follows a long tradition of Popes spending time in the town during the warmer months. The peaceful surroundings of the area offer an opportunity for prayer and rest away from the demanding schedule of Vatican life.
During Pope Leo's period of rest, general audiences and private and special audiences will be suspended. General audiences are expected to resume on Wednesday, August 5.
However, the Pope will continue to meet the faithful for the Sunday Angelus prayer. Throughout the Sundays of July, the Angelus will take place in Piazza della Libertà in Castel Gandolfo, giving residents and visitors an opportunity to gather with the Pope.
His first appearance from the balcony showed the close connection he hopes to maintain with the local community during his stay. Although the coming weeks are intended as a period of rest, Pope Leo made it clear that prayer and encounters with people will remain an important part of his time in Castel Gandolfo.
For the people gathered in the square, the Pope's arrival was both a joyful celebration and the beginning of several weeks in which Castel Gandolfo will once again become an important centre of papal life. Pope Leo's simple words of gratitude, his promise of prayer and his call to live as brothers and sisters set the tone for his summer stay in the historic town.