Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican on July 27 after spending 23 days on his summer break at Castel Gandolfo, according to Vatican correspondent Jānis Evertovskis. The Holy Father departed the Apostolic Palace, greeted gathered crowds outside his residence, and blessed children before concluding his stay.
Daily Routine and Sunday Prayers at Castel Gandolfo
During his time away from Rome, which began on July 5, the pontiff split his schedule between prayer, reading, and physical exercise. On three consecutive Sundays—July 12, July 19, and July 26—he led the Angelus prayer in Freedom Square directly in front of the Apostolic Palace, as reported by Vatican media.
Did you know?
Pope Leo XIV spent nearly three weeks at the papal summer residence, engaging directly with local residents and hosting visitors in the historic papal gardens.
Community Outreach and Private Excursions
The summer schedule included direct outreach to individuals facing hardships. On July 11, the Pope hosted a luncheon in the Papal Gardens for 200 guests, which included 35 children. One week later, he attended a musical concert hosted in the Apostolic Palace courtyard by the Diocese of Albano in his honor.
Beyond the residence grounds, the Holy Father took two private trips the previous week. He visited the Benedictine Abbey of Montecassino on July 20, followed by a visit to the Sanctuary of the Holy Trinity in Vallepietra and the monasteries of Saint Benedict and Saint Scholastica in Subiaco on July 22.
Upcoming Return for the “Song of Peace” Initiative
Pope Leo XIV will return to Castel Gandolfo on Wednesday, July 29 to participate in the “Song of Peace” prayer initiative, marking the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi. The event features a 19:00 concert starring Andrea Bocelli alongside children and youths originating from conflict zones. The initiative is organized jointly by the Laudato si’ Center for Higher Studies for Ecological Education and the Andrea Bocelli Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Pope Leo XIV return to the Vatican?
The Pope returned to the Vatican on the evening of July 27 after concluding his 23-day summer stay in Castel Gandolfo.
Where did the pontiff travel during his private excursions?
He visited the Benedictine Abbey of Montecassino on July 20, and the Sanctuary of the Holy Trinity in Vallepietra alongside the monasteries of Saint Benedict and Saint Scholastica in Subiaco on July 22.
What is the “Song of Peace” initiative?
It is a prayer initiative commemorating the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, featuring Andrea Bocelli and youths from conflict regions.
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