Pope Leo XIV will celebrate one of the Church’s great Marian solemnities in Castel Gandolfo this week, returning to the town for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
According to Vatican News, Pope Leo will arrive at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo on the evening of August 12 and remain there through Tuesday, August 18.
The centerpiece of the Pope’s stay will come Saturday, August 15, when the Catholic Church celebrates the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Vatican News reports that Pope Leo will preside over Holy Mass at 10 a.m. at the Pontifical Parish of St. Thomas of Villanova in Castel Gandolfo. The Pope celebrated the Assumption at the same parish last year.
Following the Mass, Pope Leo will pray the Angelus in Castel Gandolfo, according to Vatican News. He is also scheduled to pray the Angelus there again on Sunday, August 16.
The Solemnity of the Assumption celebrates the Church’s belief that the Blessed Virgin Mary, “having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory,” as defined by Pope Pius XII in the dogma of the Assumption.
The August 15 celebration is a particularly important Marian observance in the Catholic liturgical calendar and directs the faithful toward the hope of eternal life promised in Christ.
Pope Leo’s return to Castel Gandolfo for the feast continues the pattern of his 2025 observance, when he also presided over Mass at St. Thomas of Villanova for the Assumption.
For Catholics around the world, the Holy Father’s celebration offers an opportunity to join spiritually in honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary and contemplating the hope represented by her Assumption into heaven.
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