Geline Salac

Pope Leo takes a holiday at Castel Gandolfo, revives centuries-old tradition

Article (news)

Reuters Wires

Pope Leo will revive a centuries-old tradition on Sunday (July 6) by taking a holiday at Castel Gandolfo, where residents of the lakeside town hope for a tourism boost after the late Pope Francis shunned taking a summer break.Leo, elected pope on May 8 after the death of Francis, will spend July 6-20 an hour&#x27;s drive south of Rome in the sleepy hill town of about 8,900 residents on the shores of Lake Albano.The town&#x27;s mayor and business owners hope his stay - the first by a pope in 12 years - will attract tourists hoping to see the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.The Vatican has owned a papal palace in the town, including vast Renaissance-style gardens, since 1596, but Francis, who shunned much of the pomp and privilege of the papacy, chose not to take vacations, spending the summer in his Vatican residence.&quot;Pope Leo has given us a wonderful gift,&quot; Stefano Carosi, the owner of a coffee shop on the town&#x27;s main square, said. &quot;The pope has always been important here ... because he attracts people.&quot;Mayor Alberto De Angelis said residents were excited about the visit. &quot;The presence of the popes in Castel Gandolfo has always meant a lot of activity, a lot of economic growth,&quot; he said.While Leo is expected to spend most of his vacation out of the public eye, staying in a Vatican-owned building behind a gated wall, residents and tourists will have the opportunity to see him at religious celebrations on July 13 and 20.Dozens of popes have spent the summer months at Castel Gandolfo, where it is cooler than in Rome, which has been sweltering in an early summer heatwave with temperatures reaching more than 37 degrees Celsius (99 degrees Fahrenheit).(Production: Claudia Chieppa, Oriana Boselli)

Pope Leo will revive a centuries-old tradition on Sunday (July 6) by taking a holiday at Castel Gandolfo, where residents of the lakeside town hope for a tourism boost after the late Pope Francis shunned taking a summer break.

Pope Leo will revive a centuries-old tradition on Sunday (July 6) by taking a holiday at Castel Gandolfo, where residents of the lakeside town hope for a tourism boost after the late Pope Francis shunned taking a summer break.

Pope Leo takes a holiday at Castel Gandolfo, revives centuries-old tradition

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

World

Pope Leo takes a holiday at Castel Gandolfo, revives centuries-old tradition

Reuters

Published July 04, 2025 07:28 AM PHT

Read More:

pope leo

castel gandolfo

catholic church

vatican

ABSNews

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.