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Pope Leo XIV concluded a 23-day summer retreat at Castel Gandolfo on Monday evening, July 27, departing for the Vatican shortly after 8:30 p.m. As his car pulled away from the Apostolic Palace, the Pontiff paused to greet well-wishers and bless children gathered outside.
His break—which began on July 5—offered time for prayer, reading, and light sports in the picturesque town overlooking Lake Albano.
Key Highlights of the Papal Stay
Pastoral & Public Engagements: Beyond leading four Sunday Angelus prayers, the Pope hosted a special lunch on July 11 for 200 vulnerable Rome residents and attended a diocese concert on July 18.
Pilgrimages: During his final week, Pope Leo XIV made private visits to major spiritual sites, including the Benedictine Abbey of Montecassino, the Sanctuary of the Most Holy Trinity at Vallepietra, and the Monasteries of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica in Subiaco.
Upcoming Event
Pope Leo XIV will return to Castel Gandolfo on Wednesday, July 29, for "Canticle of Peace" (Cantico di Pace). Co-organized by the Laudato Si’ Centre for Higher Education and the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, the prayer gathering marks the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s death. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Pontifical Villa Gardens.
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