Daniel del Castillo González
One day after his visit to Lampedusa, Pope Leo XIV began his summer vacation in Castel Gandolfo.
Leaving Villa Barberini behind, the pontiff has taken up residence in the Apostolic Palace.
The Prefecture of the Papal Household has confirmed Pope Leo will be on his summer break until July 27.
Last year the pope surprised everyone by returning to Castel Gandolfo, a town about 12 miles from Rome. This year he returns to the palace Pope Francis converted into a mueseum.
The museum will remain closed for the month of July while the pope is residing there. After he returns to Rome, it will reopen.
When he arrived at the 'Second Vatican,' nicknamed by pope Pope John Paul II, several members of the faithful were waiting for him in the square. The pope then thanked them for the warm welcome.
POPE LEO XIV
Thank you. I’m very happy to be here with you all, to be able to spend the next few weeks resting a bit, praying a bit, and reading a bit. And hopefully doing a little sports here in Castel Gandolfo. As always, this gathering is an important moment, so I’m glad you’re all here. Thank you for your warm welcome, and thank you for being my brothers and sisters!
Thirteen years after Benedict XVI’s resignation, this palace once again has a resident. And every Sunday, overlooking Lake Albano, the pope will recite the Angelus, accompanied by a town that shares in the joy of having a pope in its streets.
