Liputan6.com, Jakarta Pope Leo XIV has revived the cherished papal tradition of summering at Castel Gandolfo, the lakeside villa southeast of Rome, bringing new life to a custom that his predecessor, Pope Francis, had set aside.
Arriving in the early evening on July 6, Pope Leo greeted enthusiastic crowds and settled into Villa Barberini, the secluded part of the papal estate reserved for his rest and reflection.
So, what are the activites Pope Leo do during the vacation?
Pope Leo XIV Recent Activities on Vacation
Initially planned to conclude on July 20, Pope Leo extended his stay by two days, now scheduled to leave on July 22 before returning again in mid-August for the Italian holiday of Ferragosto.
While the villa hosts its share of relaxation and prayer, the pontiff's time at Castel Gandolfo has balanced moments of rest with notable public activity.
Pope Leo interrupted his retreat to celebrate a special Mass in the expansive papal gardens, urging Catholics around the world to honor and protect the environment, underlining his commitment to climate action.
Senior Vatican officials and villa staff attended the outdoor Mass.
- Visit and Outreach: Celebrated Mass at the local Cathedral of Albano, recognizing its personal significance for him. Visited the Santa Marta Home for the Elderly in Castel Gandolfo, offering words of comfort and gratitude to the residents. Stopped by a Poor Clares monastery and interacted with local parish youth. Met with a U.S. Catholic-Orthodox ecumenical dialogue group, showing continued focus on Christian unity.
- Diplomatic Engagements: Held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, discussing recent violence in Gaza after damage to the Holy Family Church and offering strong appeals for peace. Publicly mourned the deaths resulting from recent attacks in Gaza and renewed calls for a ceasefire and for humanitarian law to be respected.
- Science Celebrations: Marked the anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing by visiting the Vatican Observatory in Castel Gandolfo and meeting astronaut Buzz Aldrin, reflecting on the intersection of faith, science, and wonder at creation.
Castel Gandolfo
Pope Leo’s choice of Castel Gandolfo reconnects the papacy with centuries of tradition.
Set above the scenic Lake Albano, the villa offers tranquility, beautiful scenery, and the chance for the pontiff to rejuvenate "body and spirit," as he put it in a recent address.
His presence has drawn not just local faithful but tourists and pilgrims eager to witness papal events and participate in public liturgies.
Pope Leo XIV Upcoming Events
Looking ahead, Pope Leo’s schedule remains robust:
He will preside over Masses for the Assumption on August 15 at the local parish and return to Castel Gandolfo later in August.
Other major duties include the Jubilee of Youth on August 3 and canonization ceremonies for contemporary Catholic figures in September.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope and a champion of engagement on social and ecological issues, blends his rest at Castel Gandolfo with an active, outward-focused schedule.
By reviving papal vacations amid continued advocacy and outreach, he has signaled a new chapter of leadership—refreshing in spirit, but deeply attuned to the urgent challenges of the Church and world.