A top-down view shows Castel Gandolfo, the pope's summer home in Italy. NCR
Pope Leo XIV returned to Castel Gandolfo this summer, ending a 12-year pause in the papal tradition of summer stays at the peaceful hilltop town near Rome. He spent two weeks in July and plans another three-day visit in August.
A Historic Town with Deep Papal Roots
Castel Gandolfo, located just south of Rome, got its name from the Gandolfi family who built the castle in the Middle Ages. The property became part of the Church's holdings in 1604 after the Savelli family couldn’t repay a large debt. Pope Urban VIII made it a papal residence in 1626. Since then, popes have visited it regularly, turning it into a quiet place for rest and reflection.
Pope Francis Broke the Tradition
During his time as pope from 2013 to 2025, Pope Francis chose not to vacation there. In 2016, the papal palace was turned into a museum. That left the summer residence unused for official stays until now.
A Place of Beauty and Peace
The town overlooks Lake Albano and has stunning gardens, farmland, and olive orchards. It also houses the Vatican Observatory and the Borgo Laudato Si', an ecological project based on Pope Francis' teachings. Leo XIV, instead of staying at the Apostolic Palace, chose a modest apartment in Villa Barberini for his July visit.
Popes Who Loved Castel Gandolfo
Pope Urban VIII, the first to stay there, called it the healthiest spot near Rome. He enjoyed walks and horseback rides in the woods. Pope Paul VI visited every summer and supported the local community by building a school and a church.
Pope John Paul II made Castel Gandolfo his second home. Just days after becoming pope in 1978, he went there, breaking the old rule of only visiting in summer. He held Masses, prayed, and spent quiet time in the gardens.
Pope Benedict XVI wrote part of a book there in 2010. He even chose to stay in Castel Gandolfo the night he retired and stayed for two months before moving to a Vatican monastery.
The People Welcome Leo XIV
Locals were thrilled to see Pope Leo XIV arrive on July 6. Crowds filled the main square hoping to catch a glimpse. His stay was so well-received that he extended his visit by two extra days.
He plans to return from August 15 to 17, and afterward will live in the papal apartment at the Vatican. He is also scheduled to attend the Jubilee of Youth in Rome from July 28 to August 3.
