Pope Leo XIV Starts Summer Vacation with Arrival at Castel Gandolfo and Warm Welcome from the Crowds!

Pope Leo XIV Welcomed by Warm Crowds at Castel Gandolfo

CASTEL GANDOLFO — Arriving just southeast of Rome, Pope Leo XIV made a brief appearance on the balcony of the Apostolic Palace to greet the faithful gathered in Piazza della Libertà. Thanking the enthusiastic crowd for their warm reception, the Pontiff reaffirmed the profound importance of unity, brotherhood, and community.

The traditional banner draped from the palace balcony signaled his arrival to the eager townspeople. This visit follows a demanding schedule for the Pope, including yesterday’s apostolic journey to Lampedusa and today’s Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square. According to a statement from the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household, the Pope traveled to the Lazio region town this afternoon, where he will remain for a period of rest until Monday, July 27.

A Joyful Moment of Encounter

From his summer residence, the Pope expressed deep gratitude for the local community's vibrant welcome. The town had been eagerly anticipating his traditional July stay—a month typically set aside for the Pontiff to step back from his demanding daily schedule.

"Good evening, good evening, Castel Gandolfo!" the Pope enthusiastically began. "Thank you. I am very happy to be here among you and to spend the next few weeks with a little rest, a little prayer, a little reading, and, hopefully, a little sport here in Castel Gandolfo! Coming together is always an important moment, and I am happy that you are all here. Thank you for your welcome, and thank you for being brothers and sisters."

Amidst chants of "Welcome!" and thunderous applause, Pope Leo imparted his blessing, promising the crowd they would see him again at the Sunday Angelus and perhaps on "some other occasion."

"I assure you of my prayers always, but especially during the coming weeks... May God always accompany you!" he added.

Summer Schedule and Suspended Audiences

During his stay, the Pope also extended warm greetings to the pastor and parish community of St. Thomas of Villanova, where he previously celebrated Mass on July 13, 2025.

To allow the Pontiff time to recharge, the Vatican has adjusted his official schedule for the upcoming weeks:

• Suspended Events: All general, private, and special audiences are temporarily suspended.

• Sunday Angelus: Throughout July, the Sunday Angelus will be prayed publicly from the balcony overlooking Piazza della Libertà in Castel Gandolfo.

• Resumption of Duties: Regular weekly general audiences are scheduled to resume on Wednesday, August 5.