Pope Leo to resume papal tradition with plan to escape Rome's summer heat
Leo will head to the papal retreat of Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome, from July 6-20 'for a period of rest' and again for a few days over the Catholic Assumption feast day in August, the Vatican said.
Leo visited the papal summer palace last month, raising speculation that he would resume a tradition that goes back centuries.
Pope Urban VIII built the palace in 1624 to give popes an escape from the sweltering Roman summer.
Leo will head to the papal retreat of Castel Gandolfo (Andrew Medichini/AP)
It was enlarged over succeeding pontificates to its present size of 136 acres, bigger than Vatican City itself.
Pope Francis, who died just after Easter, was known as a workaholic homebody who never took a proper holiday during his 12-year papacy, staying at the Vatican even during the hot summer months.
Both of Francis' immediate predecessors, John Paul II and Benedict XVI, spent time at Castel Gandolfo, interspersed with visits to the northern Italian Alps.
Benedict was especially fond of Castel Gandolfo, closing his papacy out there in 2013.
Partly to offset an economic downturn in the local town due to the papal absence, Francis opened the palazzo's gardens to the public in 2014 and later turned part of it into a museum.
In what will be a boon to the local community, Leo is resuming the traditional Angelus blessing to the faithful gathered in front of Castel Gandolfo on July 13 and July 20, and again on August 15 and 17, when he returns for a short stay over Italy's most important summer holiday.
Public and private audiences at the Vatican will be suspended for most of July, resuming on July 30.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Uncrowded European city two hours away where a glass of wine costs £1.70
The lesser-known city is rich in history and ideal for a quick break in Europe if you're travelling on a budget. Many of Europe's favourite holiday destinations have seen growing backlash to the unsustainable amount of tourists received each year. Not only is it unenjoyable for local residents, crowds and increased prices aren't all that fun for holidaymakers either. There's no shortage of European cities to explore, and while Paris, Barcelona or Venice might be hard to beat, that doesn't mean lesser-known destinations should be overlooked. Plus, venturing off the beaten track often means you get more for your money, and don't have to spend hours in queues waiting to visit attractions or sit down for a meal. Portugal, a country adored by many Brits and boasting some of the world's most stunning beaches and cities, welcomes an impressive influx of tourists each year and many flock to well-known cities like Lisbon and Porto. It's also the reason both cities are witnessing a growing backlash against tourism, and even the island of Madeira has recently addressed the issue. But Portugal is also home to a lesser-known city that was even named Europe's Emerging Tourism Destination at the World Travel Awards, often dubbed the Oscars of the tourism industry. Situated just an hour north of Porto, Braga is a historically rich city often described as the Rome of Portugal thanks to its religious roots. Originally a Roman city named Bracara Augusta, this underrated city welcomed just 639,000 visitors in 2024, but that doesn't mean it hasn't got plenty on offer for tourists. Home to the oldest cathedral in the country, Braga Cathedral, it's considered an important religious site that's also known as the City of Bells, with 30 churches located in the city. Its most famous site, the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, complete with an elaborate baroque stairway and view overlooking the city. In a piece for The Independent, Matt Dennis revealed that during his recent visit to Braga, he enjoyed a glass of Vinho Verde, a wine native to northwest Portugal, for a mere £1.70. Braga offers a refreshing, and affordable, escape from the throngs of tourists that flock to Lisbon and Porto, both of which welcomed over 5 million visitors last year. The walkable city centre, steeped in rich history including Roman ruins, is dotted with Baroque palaces and charming plazas, perfect for leisurely exploration on foot. Reaching Braga is straightforward - fly into Porto from most UK airports with Ryanair, easyJet or British Airways offering direct flights. A return flight in September can be as cheap as £21, with the weather still comfortably warm at around 20C. For those who prefer not to drive, a transfer from Porto to Braga costs approximately £6 and takes about 40 minutes, with several bus operators providing direct services from the airport.
Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Explore historic cities and gorgeous islands on this holiday
Imagine exploring the sun-soaked Mediterranean, visiting so many new destinations, from the hidden shores of Ibiza to the turquoise waters of Sardinia. Then, back on board your sleek and stylish ship, you can look forward to fantastic food and drink and dazzling entertainment. With a P&O Cruises holiday, you can travel in style and have your pick of immersive itineraries. Plus there are hundreds of authentic shore experiences on offer. Step aboard the freshly refurbished Britannia. The P&O Cruises flagship is celebrating her 10th anniversary this year – think glamorous interiors, new experiences, upgraded spaces, and mouthwatering menus. You'll feel like you're staying at a boutique hotel - one where you can dine on gourmet delights, escape to the spa, or chill by the pool. Plus, catch blockbuster films and vibrant shows, before dancing the night away at The Live Lounge or The Limelight Club. With Britannia's 14-day Mediterranean Islands itineraries, there's no need to deal with the hassle of airports. Just step on board Britannia at Southampton and get ready to explore sun-kissed shores. Set sail on her summer Mediterranean journey and you can combine fascinating destinations on the Spanish mainland with Balearic beauty and a slice of Sardinian living. First, you might head to Cadiz, one of Europe's oldest cities. Stroll through the historic cobblestone streets, stopping for a local sherry to watch the world go by as the sound of flamenco fills the air. From Cadiz, you also have the option to visit beautiful Seville, where you can wander its characterful cobbled streets, visit the historic Alcazar royal palace or settle down and indulge in some tempting tapas. Mallorca's mix of golden beaches, secluded coves, ancient ruins, and fantastic cuisine makes it a standout destination. You can meander through the old town of capital Palma, stopping at a local food market for an ensaimada – a freshly baked spiral pastry beloved by locals. The Med isn't the only part of the world you can explore with Britannia; the P&O Cruises flagship visits the Norwegian Fjords during spring into summer, and the Caribbean in late autumn and winter. Some itineraries will then whisk you to Sardinia, where you can get a flavour of the island's rich Carthaginian and Roman history, or combine a coastal hike with time spent on a pristine white-sand beach. It could be followed by a day in Ibiza, where you might choose to go off-roading, enjoy a catamaran cruise and barbecue, or even zip across to dreamy Formentera by boat. Then, a visit to the grand Roman amphitheatre of Cartagena could await, before you sail on to spot the birds and monkeys of Gibraltar. You might also opt to learn flamenco, explore by e-bike, or hop on a cable car to the very top of the Rock for incredible views before setting sail back to Southampton. Between each sparkling Mediterranean destination, you'll savour every moment you spend on Britannia. From the second you step on board, a world of choice unfurls before you. Indulge in foodie delights and delicious drinks at the ship's incredible 27 bars and restaurants, from casual eateries to elegant fine-dining experiences. Catch thrilling cabaret performances, spellbinding shows, or rib-tickling comedy at eight entertainment venues, as well as enjoy live music in elegant bars or dance the night away. During the day, soak up the sun on deck and relax by one of four swimming pools. For a little extra, you could pamper yourself at the spa or master the culinary arts with a class at The Cookery Club on Britannia, in association with Marco Pierre White. Younger family members will adore the dedicated kids' clubs and play areas, while sporty types can look after their fitness at the impressive gym. So if you're looking for a holiday that has it all, step aboard Britannia. Freshly refurbished, it's ready to show you the very best of the Med's sun-soaked coastline. *Accurate at the time of publication. Early Saver price of £1,599 per person is based on two adults sharing a PF grade Inside cabin on cruise B617. Prices are subject to availability and may go up or down. Early Saver bookings are made at the relevant cabin grade and a cabin number is allocated by P&O Cruises prior to departure. Dining preferences are not guaranteed. Shuttle buses in ports are an additional cost. Early Saver prices apply to new bookings only. These terms and conditions vary, where relevant, the applicable booking conditions which are otherwise unchanged.
Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful 'picture postcard' UK village is like stepping into another world
This Cotswolds village stands apart from its popular neighbours with distinctly red-hued cottages and some impressive former locals including great writers and thinkers Sitting on the edge of the Cotswolds is a village not as traditional as its neighbours. The 'picture postcard' destination is defined by cottages in a different shade but just as charming and impressive. Great Tew is located five miles east of Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire. The village overlooks the Worton Valley from a limestone ridge, offering a distinct perspective on the well-trodden UK holiday destination that is the Cotswolds. One thing that distinguishes Great Tew from other Cotswolds villages is the predominant stone used in the construction of local cottages. While the yellow Cotswold stone has become synonymous with the region, Great Tew cottages boast a different style. In this part of the region, ironstone dominates and has a much darker red hue. Furthermore, the cottages in Great Tew are thatched, which is not a particularly common feature in the Cotswolds. There is evidence that people lived in the landscape of Great Tew in pre-Roman times but the first sign of habitation is during the Roman occupation in the 3rd and 4th centuries. During the Saxon period, Great Tew acquired the name Ciric Tiwa, or Church Tew. At one point, the famed Great Tew Estate was inherited by Lucius Carey, Second Viscount Falkland, during which time it gained notoriety because of the 'Great Tew Circle' of writers and scholars who often met for political and theological debates. In 1914, the Great Tew Estate was held in public trusteeship for almost fifty years, during which time very little was done to maintain the Estate or its buildings. In 1962 Major Eustace Robb inherited the estate and immediately set about a gradual programme of improvements that made the village prosper and laid the foundations for its future health. Farms were reclaimed, cottages were refurbished and a sewage system for the village was installed under Major Robb. Today, the Great Tew Estate belongs to the Johnston family who are just as committed to the village's prosperity. While Great Tew is an example of a thriving Cotswold village, it stands in slight contrast to its popular neighbours that are struggling under the weight of overtourism. Bibury - often called the 'Capital of the Cotswolds' - sees thousands of tourists visit from across the world annually. Plans for a new car and coach park were withdrawn in the area earlier this year to deter more tourists from visiting. Locals have grown increasingly unnerved by the massive tourist crowds descending on the area. To address the problem of overtourism, residents have formed a working group that includes councillors and police. Gloucestershire County Council has also announced plans to tackle overtourism in the village. In 2025, reports emerged that coaches could soon be banned from stopping and parking in the village. Longer-term recommendations from the working group also include improving signs to direct coaches away from the village's narrow lanes.
