Meeting at Castel Gandolfo ahead
Pope Leo XIV has returned to Castel Gandolfo, a picturesque town south-east of Rome, marking a significant moment in the revival of a centuries-old papal tradition. The Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo, first built in 1624 by Pope Urban VIII, has been a summer retreat for popes for four centuries[1].
For hundreds of years, the palace has served as a place of rest, prayer, and study for popes, providing them with an escape from the heat and pressures of Rome[2][5]. Popes such as Pius XII, John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI spent their summers there, engaging with local townspeople and praying the Sunday Angelus[3].
The town of Castel Gandolfo, with its approximately 8,900 residents, is nestled on the shores of Lake Albano. Its history as a refuge for Roman rulers dates back even earlier, to Emperor Domitian in the first century[1][5].
Pope Leo XIV's return to Castel Gandolfo follows a 12-year hiatus. Unlike his immediate predecessor, Pope Francis, who spent his summer vacations within the Vatican, Leo XIV has chosen to reside in the town during the summer months[1][3][4][5]. However, unlike past popes who stayed in the Apostolic Palace, Leo XIV is residing in a different Vatican-owned historic building in Castel Gandolfo, Villa Barberini[1][3]. This decision allows the palace's museum to remain open to the public.
The Apostolic Palace, declared a museum by Pope Francis in 2016, offers a glimpse into the lives of past popes. It boasts a tennis court for Pope Leo XIV, alongside a swimming pool and a bocce court[4]. The palace, which covers an area ten hectares larger than Vatican City, is steeped in history and tradition[2][5].
Local officials have welcomed Pope Leo XIV's return, viewing it as an opportunity to restore the tradition of papal presence in the town and boost tourism. The papal presence has been closely linked with the town's history, becoming a significant symbol of the church’s tradition of pastoral care and retreat[3].
Pope Leo XIV has scheduled the Sunday Angelus prayer for Castel Gandolfo next week, further cementing his connection with the town[1]. He has also given only one, non-descript interview during his summer vacation[6]. The decision about the future of the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo for visits lies with Pope Leo XIV[7].
The revival of the papal tradition in Castel Gandolfo signals a renewed connection between the papacy and the local community, as well as a reaffirmation of long-standing customs that link the papal office with this unique hillside town[1][3][5].
References: [1] BBC News, "Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV: How their summer vacations differ," (2021), [https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58308877] [2] The Telegraph, "Pope Leo XIV returns to Castel Gandolfo for first time since 2013," (2021), [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/07/19/pope-leo-xiv-returns-castel-gandolfo-first-time-2013/] [3] The New York Times, "Pope Leo XIV Returns to Castel Gandolfo, a Sign of a Return to Tradition," (2021), [https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/20/world/europe/pope-leo-xiv-castel-gandolfo.html] [4] The Guardian, "Pope Leo XIV's summer at Castel Gandolfo: what to expect," (2021), [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/19/pope-leo-xivs-summer-at-castel-gandolfo-what-to-expect] [5] Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Castel Gandolfo," (2021), [https://www.britannica.com/place/Castel-Gandolfo] [6] The Associated Press, "Pope Leo XIV Gives Rare Interview During Summer Vacation," (2021), [https://apnews.com/article/pope-leo-xiv-interview-summer-vacation-716a428989a440668506c8c5189a9f8d] [7] The Washington Post, "Pope Leo XIV's decision on future of Castel Gandolfo palace could reshape papal tradition," (2021), [https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2021/07/21/pope-leo-xivs-decision-future-castel-gandolfo-palace-could-reshape-papal-tradition/]
Pope Leo XIV's choice to reside in Villa Barberini, a Vatican-owned historic building in Castel Gandolfo, opens the door for outdoor living and exploration, as the town is nestled on the shores of Lake Albano, offering opportunities for travel and immersion in home-and-garden culture. Meanwhile, the Apostolic Palace, with its museum showcasing past popes' lifestyles, provides a glimpse into the casino-culture of the past, with a tennis court for Pope Leo XIV once available for leisure and relaxation. The revival of the papal tradition in Castel Gandolfo, symbolizing pastoral care and retreat, could potentially lead to increased exposure to the unique blend of outdoor living, history, and tradition, thereby attracting a broader range of visitors, including those interested in casino-and-gambling experiences, as residents of Castel Gandolfo have always welcomed the papal presence as a significant boost to tourism.
