Pope Leo: Castel Gandolfo Summer Retreat 2024
Pope Leo is reviving the papal summer retreat tradition, choosing Castel Gandolfo for his July escape. This key shift in Vatican practices, after Pope Francis’s preference for staying in Rome, sees the pontiff stepping into the role of embracing the heat-evading haven. From July 6-20, find the Holy Father seeking respite from the Roman summer. Public audiences are temporarily suspended,resuming July 30. The August weekend visit is also planned. For centuries, popes have embraced this lakeside tradition, and now, News Directory 3 reports on the latest developments. Will this become a defining aspect of Pope Leo’s papacy? Discover what’s next …
Pope Leo Revives Summer Retreat Tradition at Castel Gandolfo
Updated June 17, 2025
Pope Leo, who assumed the pontiff’s role May 8 following Pope Francis’s death, is reinstating a long-held summer custom. he will retreat to Castel Gandolfo, nestled on Lake Albano about an hour south of Rome, from July 6-20, according to Vatican officials. The decision comes as Rome grapples with temperatures exceeding 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Vatican also announced that Leo plans to return to the lakeside location for a weekend in August. this marks a shift from his predecessor,pope Francis,who preferred to remain in his air-conditioned Vatican residence during the hot summer months.
From July 2 through July 23, all public and private audiences with Pope Leo are suspended, a practice also observed by francis to allow for a period of rest. Audiences will resume July 30.
For centuries, popes have sought refuge from rome’s summer heat at Lake Albano, where temperatures are typically about 10 degrees cooler. The Vatican has possessed property in Castel Gandolfo, including a papal palace, since 1596.The 136-acre estate features official apartments, renaissance gardens, a forest, and a working dairy farm.
During his tenure, Francis converted the official papal palace into a museum, reflecting his preference for a less ostentatious papacy. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Pope Leo will not reside in the palace, which will remain a museum. Instead, he will stay at another Vatican-owned property on the grounds.
Pope Leo’s August visit to Castel Gandolfo is scheduled for the weekend of August 15-17. August 15, the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, is a public holiday in Italy, with many Italians spending the day at the beach.
What’s next
The return to Castel Gandolfo signals a potential shift in papal summer routines, emphasizing the importance of rest and tradition in the pontiff’s role. Observers will be watching to see if this signals othre changes in Vatican practices under the new leadership.