Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has returned to the Vatican after spending more than three weeks resting in the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo. Pope left the Apostolic Palace on Monday evening, ending a period of rest that began on July 5 after several weeks of intense pastoral and official commitments.
As he departed shortly after 8.30 pm, Pope Leo greeted the people who had gathered outside the residence to bid him farewell. Before leaving, he warmly acknowledged the crowd and blessed several children who were waiting with their parents, offering a simple but meaningful moment that reflected his close connection with families and the faithful.
Although he has returned to the Vatican, the Pope's visit to Castel Gandolfo is not completely over. He is expected to travel back to the town on Wednesday, July 29, to take part in a special event called "Canticle of Peace," an evening dedicated to prayer, unity, and fraternity.
The gathering is being organized by the Laudato Si' Centre for Higher Education together with the Andrea Bocelli Foundation. The event is part of worldwide celebrations marking the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi, whose message of peace, care for creation, and love for the poor continues to inspire millions around the world. The prayer event will begin at 7 pm in the gardens of the Pontifical Villas at Castel Gandolfo.
During his 23 day stay in the peaceful lakeside town, Pope Leo balanced rest with moments of prayer, reflection, reading, and physical activity. Castel Gandolfo, overlooking Lake Albano in the Alban Hills south of Rome, has long served as the traditional summer residence of popes. The picturesque town is also officially recognised as one of Italy's most beautiful villages and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Despite taking time away from the Vatican, Pope Leo remained actively engaged with the faithful throughout his stay. Every Sunday during his visit, on July 6, 13, 20, and 27, he appeared at the entrance of the Apostolic Palace to lead the Angelus prayer, drawing pilgrims and visitors who gathered to hear his message and receive his blessing.
Pope also took part in several public events that highlighted his concern for those facing hardship and his appreciation for culture and community life.
On July 11, he shared lunch in the pontifical gardens with around 200 people from the Diocese of Rome who are living in situations of social vulnerability. The gathering included 35 children and reflected the Pope's continuing emphasis on reaching out to those in need and ensuring that the Church remains close to people experiencing poverty or social exclusion.
A week later, on July 18, Pope Leo attended a concert held in the courtyard of the Apostolic Palace. The musical event was organised by the Diocese of Albano and brought together local residents, clergy, and visitors in an atmosphere of celebration and fellowship.
During the final week of his stay, the Pope also made several private visits to places of spiritual importance.
On July 20, he travelled to the historic Benedictine Abbey of Montecassino, one of the most significant monasteries in Christian history. Two days later, on July 22, he visited the Sanctuary of the Most Holy Trinity at Vallepietra before continuing to the Monasteries of Saint Benedict and Saint Scholastica in Subiaco. These visits reflected his desire for personal prayer and spiritual reflection during his period of rest.
Pope Leo's stay in Castel Gandolfo demonstrated a balance between renewal, prayer, pastoral outreach, and community engagement. While the visit offered him an opportunity to rest from the demands of Vatican life, he continued to meet people, participate in important events, and encourage the faithful through prayer and personal encounters.
His return to the Vatican marks the resumption of his regular schedule, even as he prepares to return briefly to Castel Gandolfo to participate in the upcoming prayer gathering celebrating peace and the enduring legacy of St Francis of Assisi.