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How Leo is resuming a papal tradition this summer
Pope Leo XIV will resume the papal tradition of taking a summer break outside Rome, as announced by the Vatican on Tuesday.
Leo will stay at the papal retreat of Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome, from 6-20 July for rest and again in August for the Assumption feast day.
Pope Urban VIII built the palace in 1624 to provide popes an escape from the Roman summer. Its grounds span 55 hectares, larger than Vatican City.
Pope Francis, who died just after Easter, never took summer vacations during his 12-year papacy, but his predecessors John Paul II and Benedict XVI frequented Castel Gandolfo.
Leo will deliver the traditional Angelus blessing to the faithful at Castel Gandolfo on 13 and 20 July and 15 and 17 August, with public audiences at the Vatican suspended for most of July, resuming on 30 July.
