For Catholics around the world, summer at Castel Gandolfo evokes memories of quiet prayer, pastoral beauty, and a visible reminder of the Holy Father’s humanity. This summer, Pope Leo XIV will revive the long-cherished tradition of spending time at the papal residence in the Alban Hills—offering the faithful a moment of reflection amid a restless world.
According to a statement from the Prefecture of the Papal Household, the Holy Father will “spend two separate periods in the hilltop town near Rome,” reestablishing a rhythm of rest and spiritual retreat that was once a staple of papal life. In recent years, this tradition had faded. Now, by returning to Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV sends a quiet but meaningful message: rest is sacred, and the pope, too, must withdraw to pray, ponder, and rejuvenate.
The pope’s summer schedule is intentional and pastoral. Beginning on the afternoon of Sunday, July 6, he will travel to the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo “for a period of rest,” according to the Vatican. During this time, public events are few but spiritually significant. On Sunday, July 13 at 10:00 AM, the pope will celebrate Mass at the Pontifical Parish of Saint Thomas of Villanova and recite the Angelus at noon in Liberty Square, in front of the Apostolic Palace.
One week later, on Sunday, July 20, he will celebrate Mass in the Cathedral of Albano at 9:30 AM and return once again to Liberty Square for the noon Angelus before heading back to the Vatican that afternoon. The schedule is crafted with care—balancing public worship with time for personal renewal.
Throughout July, all private audiences and Wednesday General Audiences will be suspended on July 2, 9, 16, and 23, with audiences resuming July 30. This pause in the pope’s formal obligations coincides with the Jubilee of Youth, scheduled in Rome from July 28 to August 3—a sign that the Holy Father continues to entrust the energy of the Church to its young faithful.
On the Feast of the Assumption, Friday, August 15, Pope Leo XIV will return to Castel Gandolfo to celebrate Mass at 10:00 AM and pray the Angelus at noon. He will also recite the Angelus on Sunday, August 17 before returning to the Vatican later that day.
By choosing to spend time at Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV models what he often preaches: the importance of silence, nature, and contemplation. His presence among the faithful in this quiet town reminds us that leadership in the Church must be deeply rooted in prayer and communion with Christ.
As faithful Catholics, we are invited to follow the Holy Father’s example—to step away, even briefly, from the busyness of life and enter into the peace God offers. Whether on a hillside in Castel Gandolfo or in the quiet of our own homes, this summer offers a holy invitation to rest and renew our hearts in Christ.
