Pope Leo XIV has once again traveled to the historic hilltop town of Castel Gandolfo, where he will celebrate Mass and spend the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the cooler mountain air.
According to Vatican News, the Holy See Press Office confirmed that the Holy Father arrived at the papal summer residence by car on Wednesday afternoon. The Pope previously visited Castel Gandolfo in July, where “he celebrated Mass in the local parish of St. Thomas of Villanova, visited the Vatican Observatory, and met with various local residents” (Vatican News).
This year’s return centers on the Solemnity of the Assumption, one of the most cherished Marian feasts, which celebrates the Blessed Mother being assumed body and soul into heaven. The Pope is scheduled to celebrate Mass at St. Thomas of Villanova Parish on August 15, a highlight of the summer holiday season in Italy.
Vatican News also reports that on Sunday, Pope Leo will travel to nearby Albano to preside at Mass at the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Rotonda, another site rich in Catholic history and devotion.
The Holy Father is expected to remain in the region through the Assumption weekend before returning to the Vatican on Tuesday, August 19. His visit not only recalls the long tradition of popes retreating to Castel Gandolfo during the summer months but also underscores the deep Marian devotion at the heart of the Church’s liturgical life.
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