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After a 12-year hiatus, the town of Castel Gandolfo welcomes back its most famous visitor, the pope. Pope Leo XIV has chosen to spend his summer retreat at the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, marking him as the 16th pope to do so since July 6.
"This afternoon, I will travel to Castel Gandolfo, where I intend to have a short period of rest," Pope Leo XIV announced to pilgrims in St. Peter's Square. "I hope that everyone will be able to enjoy some vacation time in order to restore both body and spirit."
The tradition dates back to 1626 with Pope Urban VIII, but was interrupted when Pope Francis decided against staying there during his tenure, opting for his Vatican residence instead. In 2016, he converted the papal property into a museum.
Marina Rossi, a local resident and mosaic workshop owner, noted how this decision altered tourism dynamics. "During the week there wasn’t this flow of people," she explained. The change from frugal pilgrims to paying visitors benefited local businesses over the past decade.
Rossi expressed excitement about the pope's return: "It’s an important showcase for the town." She and others have considered creating a portrait of Pope Leo XIV as part of their artistic endeavors.
Assunta Ferrini from Sor Capanna restaurant confirmed that tourists still visited during the pope's absence but emphasized that having a pope present is an honor. Stefano Carosi, a barista at a local coffee shop, shared similar sentiments: "To have the pope here among us after so long is a beautiful thing."
Pope Leo XIV's presence has reignited hope among locals for a return to previous vibrancy in Castel Gandolfo.
