Pope Leo XIV Returns to Castel Gandolfo, Reviving a Centuries-Old Papal Retreat

What does Pope Leo XIV’s return to Castel Gandolfo reveal about the Vatican’s evolving approach to papal retreats and its relationship with the Italian town? Two months into his papacy, Pope Leo XIV has announced his departure from Rome to spend two weeks at the historic lakeside town of Castel Gandolfo, a move that marks the first time in over a decade a reigning pope has returned to the traditional summer retreat. The decision has reignited interest in the town, which is often referred to as the “second Vatican City,” and has raised questions about the Pope’s balancing act between governance and personal respite. While the Vatican has long been a central figure in the lives of Castel Gandolfo’s residents, the absence of a pope for nearly a decade left the town’s cultural and economic ties to the Holy See in limbo. Leo’s return signals a revival of this centuries-old tradition, though it also highlights the shifting priorities of the Papal Household and the enduring significance of the town in Catholic life.

A Return to Tradition: The Papal Legacy of Castel Gandolfo

Castel Gandolfo, located 18 miles south of Rome, has been a papal summer residence since the 17th century, with its origins tracing back to Emperor Domitian’s 1st-century villa. The town, nestled in the Castelli Romani region, is renowned for its scenic volcanic lake, Lake Albano, and its historic connection to the Papal Household. For over 400 years, popes have retreated to Castel Gandolfo to escape the sweltering heat of Rome, engage in spiritual reflection, and manage state affairs in a more tranquil setting. The Apostolic Palace, once a hub of papal activity, has seen its role diminish since Pope Francis abandoned the tradition in 2016, converting the site into a museum and opening the gardens to the public.

Pope Leo XIV’s decision to return to Castel Gandolfo is a deliberate nod to this historical precedent. The Vatican confirmed the move on June 17, 2025, stating that the Pope will reside at Villa Barberini from July 6 to July 20, followed by a brief stay in August during the Catholic Assumption feast. This marks the first time since Pope Francis’s tenure that a reigning pope has returned to the estate, which has not been used for papal stays in over a decade. The absence of a pope in Castel Gandolfo left the town’s economy and cultural identity somewhat diminished, as the Papal Household’s presence had long been a cornerstone of its appeal.

The move also reflects Leo’s personal interests, including his love for tennis, which has led to the installation of a new tennis court on the property. The Vatican’s announcement of the Pope’s return has been met with enthusiasm in Castel Gandolfo, where residents and officials have long awaited a revival of the papal connection. Mayor Alberto de Angelis described the town as “accustomed to the daily life of the pope,” emphasizing the significance of the Pope’s presence in restoring the town’s unique role as a papal retreat. The decision underscores the Vatican’s commitment to maintaining its historical traditions while adapting to modern papal priorities.

The Strategic and Symbolic Importance of Castel Gandolfo

The Pope’s return to Castel Gandolfo is not just a personal choice but also a strategic one. The town’s location, surrounded by the Alban Hills and overlooking Lake Albano, provides a serene environment for rest and reflection—a critical need for a pontiff overseeing a global Church grappling with internal and external challenges. The Vatican’s announcement of the stay has also been interpreted as a symbolic gesture, rekindling the connection between the Holy See and the local community.

Castel Gandolfo’s role in papal history is profound. The estate, which includes the Apostolic Palace and its sprawling gardens, has been a site for significant historical events, including the signing of key diplomatic agreements and the planning of papal initiatives. Its proximity to Rome, while making it a convenient escape, also ensures that the Pope remains within the bounds of the Holy See’s jurisdiction. The town’s status as an extraterritorial possession under the Lateran Pact of 1929 adds another layer of its significance, as it is legally tied to Vatican City while retaining its distinct identity as a small Italian community.

The decision to return to Castel Gandolfo may also signal a shift in the Vatican’s approach to balancing papal duties with personal well-being. While Pope Francis prioritized a more accessible and open Vatican, Leo XIV’s move suggests a return to the traditional model of papal retreats. This shift could have implications for the Vatican’s public engagement strategy, as the Pope’s presence in Castel Gandolfo will involve public appearances, including the recitation of the Sunday Angelus from Liberty Square, a space that has historically been a focal point for papal interactions with townspeople.

The town’s revival as a papal retreat is also a response to its economic challenges. For years, Castel Gandolfo’s reliance on the Papal Household’s presence has waned, leaving local businesses and tourism dependent on the Vatican’s intermittent visits. The Pope’s return is expected to boost the town’s economy, with increased foot traffic and renewed interest in the area’s historical and religious significance. This move could serve as a reminder of the Vatican’s enduring influence on the region, even as it navigates modern challenges to its authority and visibility.

Pope Francis’s Departure and the Void Left Behind

The absence of a pope in Castel Gandolfo since 2016 has had a noticeable impact on the town. Pope Francis, who has been a vocal advocate for openness and transparency, chose to keep the Papal Residence open to the public and to focus on Rome’s urban environment, which he saw as more representative of the Church’s global mission. His decision to forgo the traditional summer retreat was met with mixed reactions, with some praising his commitment to accessibility and others lamenting the loss of a centuries-old cultural link.

The conversion of the papal palace into a museum and the opening of the gardens to tourists marked a significant shift in how the Vatican engages with the public. However, the lack of a papal presence in Castel Gandolfo over the past decade has left the town’s unique relationship with the Holy See in a state of limbo. The Pope’s return is seen as a way to restore this connection, though it also raises questions about the future of such traditions in an era of modern governance and global outreach.

Pope Leo XIV’s decision to return to Castel Gandolfo could also reflect a broader trend within the Catholic Church. While Francis has emphasized a more decentralized and approachable model of leadership, Leo’s return to the traditional papal retreat suggests a different vision of papal life—one that values historical continuity and the symbolic weight of the Holy See’s presence in Italy. This shift may signal a more traditionalist approach to papal responsibilities, with a focus on spiritual reflection and the preservation of papal traditions.

The town’s residents, who have long associated their identity with the Pope’s presence, may see this return as a reaffirmation of their role in the Church’s narrative. Mayor de Angelis highlighted the importance of the Pope’s return, stating that it would allow the community to “experience the daily life of the pope” once again. This could lead to a renewed sense of purpose for Castel Gandolfo, which has struggled to maintain its cultural and economic relevance in the absence of a papal presence.

The Modern Papal Retreat: Balancing Tradition and Innovation

Pope Leo XIV’s return to Castel Gandolfo is part of a broader conversation about how the Papal Household adapts to the demands of modern papacy. While the tradition of summer retreats dates back centuries, the logistics of such moves have evolved in response to the Vatican’s growing global responsibilities. The use of thermal drones and other advanced technologies in previous papal evacuations, such as the one involving Juliana Marins, underscores the Vatican’s commitment to safety and efficiency in its operations.

The Pope’s stay at Castel Gandolfo also highlights the Vatican’s strategic use of its resources to manage both spiritual and administrative duties. The estate’s infrastructure, including its working farm and extensive gardens, reflects the Vatican’s efforts to maintain a self-sufficient and sustainable retreat. This is in contrast to the more high-profile but less practical approach of Pope Francis, who prioritized public engagement over traditional retreats.

However, the decision to return to Castel Gandolfo may also signal a reevaluation of the Papal Household’s role in the Church’s hierarchy. While the Vatican has long been a central institution, the Popes’ changing priorities—ranging from addressing global crises to fostering interfaith dialogue—have led to a more mobile and adaptable approach. Leo’s return to the traditional retreat could be seen as a way to reconnect with the roots of papal governance, even as the Vatican navigates the complexities of modern leadership.

The town’s revival as a papal retreat is also a reminder of the Vatican’s enduring influence in Italy. Castel Gandolfo, with its historical ties to the Holy See, has remained a symbol of papal authority, even as the Church’s global reach expands. The Pope’s presence there is not just a personal choice but also a reaffirmation of the Vatican’s role in the Italian landscape, where its influence is both revered and scrutinized.

A New Chapter for Castel Gandolfo and the Papal Household

The Pope’s return to Castel Gandolfo may mark a new chapter for the town, which has long relied on the Papal Household’s presence for its cultural and economic vitality. While the Vatican’s decision to resume the tradition could bring renewed attention to the area, it also raises questions about the long-term implications for the Popes’ schedule and the Church’s global strategy.

For the Papal Household, the move to Castel Gandolfo represents a return to its historical roots, with the estate serving as a reminder of the Vatican’s role in shaping Catholic identity. The townspeople, who have waited nearly a decade for the Pope’s return, may see this as an opportunity to reconnect with the Church’s leadership. However, the decision also reflects the Vatican’s need to balance its traditional practices with the demands of modern papacy.

The Pope’s stay in Castel Gandolfo is expected to include both public and private moments, with the Sunday Angelus and other appearances serving as a bridge between the Vatican’s global mission and its Italian heritage. The town’s renewed connection with the Holy See could also lead to increased collaboration between the Papal Household and local authorities, as the Vatican seeks to address the challenges of maintaining its traditions in a rapidly changing world.

As the Pope’s stay begins, the focus will be on how this move shapes the Vatican’s future. Will it signal a return to more traditional forms of governance, or will it adapt to the needs of a modern Church? The answer may lie in the balance between the Papal Household’s historical role and its evolving responsibilities in a globalized world.

Key Takeaways

• Pope Leo XIV’s Return Revives a 400-Year-Old Papal Tradition: The decision to spend time in Castel Gandolfo marks the first papal stay in the town since 2016, highlighting the Vatican’s commitment to preserving its historical practices.
• Castel Gandolfo’s Role in the Vatican’s Strategy: The town’s revival as a papal retreat underscores its strategic importance to the Holy See, offering a balance between governance, rest, and public engagement.
• Economic and Cultural Impact on the Town: The Pope’s return is expected to boost Castel Gandolfo’s economy and rekindle its cultural ties to the Vatican, which had waned in the absence of a papal presence.
• Contrast Between Leo and Francis’s Approaches: While Pope Francis prioritized accessibility and modern engagement, Pope Leo XIV’s move to Castel Gandolfo signals a shift toward traditional papal duties and the preservation of historical customs.
• The Future of Papal Retreats in a Changing World: The Vatican’s decision to resume the tradition of summer retreats reflects its need to adapt to modern challenges while maintaining its symbolic connection to the Holy See’s legacy.