Pope Leo XIV arrived at Castel Gandolfo on July 5, marking the first time in a decade that the historic papal summer residence has hosted a reigning pontiff. The Pope will remain at the Apostolic Palace through July 27, according to Aleteia’s reporting. The decision reverses the late Pope Francis’s 2016 conversion of the property into a public museum, a move that symbolized his preference for simpler accommodations and greater public access to Vatican properties.
What happened
The Apostolic Palace at Castel Gandolfo, located in the Alban Hills southeast of Rome, served as the traditional summer residence of popes for centuries. Pope Francis chose never to use it during his papacy, instead opening the palace and its gardens to tourists in 2016 while remaining in Vatican City year-round.
Pope Leo XIV’s three-week stay marks a return to the residence’s original function. The Vatican has not indicated whether this represents a permanent restoration of Castel Gandolfo as a working papal residence or a temporary arrangement for the summer months.
Read Aleteia’s full report for details on the Pope’s arrival.
Why this matters
The choice to use Castel Gandolfo signals a different approach to the papacy from Pope Leo XIV’s predecessor. While Francis emphasized simplicity and accessibility by living in the Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, Leo’s decision suggests he may embrace more traditional papal customs. The 650-acre estate includes working farms, baroque gardens, and an astronomical observatory, offering both rest and working space away from Rome’s summer heat.
Historically, popes spent several months each summer at Castel Gandolfo, using it as a retreat for prayer, writing, and hosting audiences in a more pastoral setting. St. John Paul II conducted papal audiences from the palace courtyard during summers, and Pope Pius XII died there in 1958. Whether public access to the museum portions will continue during Leo’s stay remains unclear.
For Catholic readers
The papal summer residence has long been a pilgrimage site for Catholics visiting Rome. If you plan to visit the Vatican this summer, check the official Vatican Museums website for any changes to Castel Gandolfo access during the Pope’s residence. Consider praying for Pope Leo XIV during this period of rest and reflection away from the demands of the Vatican.
Sources:
1. Aleteia — original report
