There was scorching heat in Rome for July but not even that stopped the papal schedule. Or perhaps it did, because that month Pope Leo once again set foot in Castel Gandolfo, the historic summer residence of the popes.
Pope Leo arrived to Castel Gandolfo by car, but shortly before reaching the residence he decided to get out and walk the final stretch. The street leading to the residence was packed with people.
No one wanted to miss his arrival. The city had spent weeks preparing a welcome for the Pope's anticipated return.
“We are happy to welcome the pope here in Castel Gandolfo and grateful for his return. His presence, in my opinion, is a blessing for these places of the Castelli Romani. We are truly glad that he has come back.”
Pope Leo engaged in diplomatic activity during his time there: he received the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky; he spoke by phone with the Israeli prime minister Netanyahu after the attack on the Catholic parish in Gaza; and a few days later he did the same with Palestinian president Abbas.
He also held several official meetings, including with a group of Orthodox and Catholic faithful from the United States who were making a joint pilgrimage.
A few days before the month concluded, we entered one of the most anticipated moments of the Jubilee Year calendar: the Jubilee of Youth.
The Pope's first encounter with the Catholic youth was during a special Mass in St. Peter’s Square, where he appeared unexpectedly.
POPE LEO XIV
Jesus tells us: ‘You are the salt of the earth,’ ‘You are the lights of the world!’ Vosotros sois la sal de la tierra, luz del mundo! And today your voices, your enthusiasm, your shouts—all of them for Jesus Christ—will be heard to the ends of the earth!!
Pope Leo said goodbye to the youthful gathering, promising to meet them later for a prayer vigil at the University of Rome.
