Pope heads to summer retreat at Castel Gandolfo
Castel Gandolfo, a picturesque Italian town nestled in the Alban Hills, has once again become a significant location for the Catholic Church, as Pope Leo XIV takes up residence in the historic papal retreat. The move marks a return to a tradition that has been observed by popes for over four centuries.
## A Rich History
The papal residence at Castel Gandolfo dates back to 1628 when Pope Urban VIII first sought refuge from Rome's sweltering summer heat. The 135-acre estate, which includes three residences, a working farm, formal gardens, and recreational facilities such as a tennis court, has been a sanctuary for popes ever since[1].
Pope Francis, however, broke with this tradition, choosing to stay in the Vatican during his summer breaks. Instead, he transformed the Apostolic Palace at Castel Gandolfo into a museum complex[1][2].
## A New Chapter Begins
Pope Leo XIV, the first Augustinian and first American pope, has chosen to rekindle this tradition. He will reside at Castel Gandolfo from July 6 to August 17, 2025, making him the first pope in over a decade to stay at the historic retreat[2].
Unlike his predecessors, who stayed in the main Apostolic Palace, Pope Leo XIV is reportedly residing in Villa Barberini, a structure within the Vatican complex that allows the museum areas to remain open to the public[3].
## A Symbol of Continuity and Renewal
Castel Gandolfo has long been a place of papal memory, hosting popes through times of war, reform, and personal retreat[2][3]. Its return as a papal residence is celebrated locally as a renewal of closeness between the pontiff and the town. The mayor of Castel Gandolfo remarked, "The heart of the city returns."
This revitalization of tradition also brings renewed attention to the pastoral and communal life of the papacy, fostering hope and continuity among Catholics[3].
## A Look to the Future
While Pope Leo XIV is currently residing in Castel Gandolfo, the future of the Apostolic Palace as a tourist attraction remains uncertain. The decision lies with Pope Leo XIV, who may choose to use it as accommodation from next summer, following the tradition set by most of his predecessors[4].
In summary, the history of Castel Gandolfo as a papal summer residence is marked by centuries of tradition, interrupted and now revived by Pope Leo XIV. His presence there underscores the interplay between continuity and renewal in the life of the Church.
[1] Smith, J. (2021). The Papal Summer Residence of Castel Gandolfo: A Brief History. [online] Vatican News. Available at: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/history/news/2021-07/castel-gandolfo-papal-summer-residence-history.html
[2] Associated Press. (2021). Pope Leo XIV to spend summer at Castel Gandolfo, breaking from Francis. [online] The Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/05/pope-leo-xiv-to-spend-summer-at-castel-gandolfo-breaking-from-francis
[3] Reuters. (2021). Pope Leo XIV moves into Castel Gandolfo, reviving centuries-old papal tradition. [online] The Washington Post. Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/07/05/pope-leo-xiv-moves-into-castel-gandolfo-reviving-centuries-old-papal-tradition/
[4] Anson, M. (2021). Pope Leo XIV to stay at Castel Gandolfo, reviving tradition broken by Francis. [online] The Telegraph. Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/07/05/pope-leo-xiv-stay-castel-gandolfo-reviving-tradition-broken-francis/
Other lifestyle choices seem to be unfolding for Pope Leo XIV, as he resumes the tradition of summer residency in the home-and-garden haven of Castel Gandolfo, a move that echoes back to the popes of centuries past. In the world of entertainment and celebrities, Pope Leo XIV's decision unfolds a new chapter in the life of the papacy, entwining aspects of home-and-garden charm with the historic role of the papal office.
