On the morning of July 6, Pope Leo XIV arrived at Castel Gandolfo, the historic summer residence of the pontiffs, where he will remain for several days to rest and pray. The atmosphere was joyful and friendly, with numerous faithful and local residents who came to greet the Pope upon his arrival.

Following a tradition interrupted by his immediate predecessors, Leo XIV decided to revive the use of the apostolic residence of Castel Gandolfo during the summer, a custom that for centuries allowed Popes to combine spiritual retreat with direct contact with nature and local communities.

Upon getting out of the car, the Pontiff was greeted by the city’s civil authorities, members of the Swiss Guard, and numerous local residents, who welcomed Leo XIV with applause and gestures of affection. The Pope, smiling and friendly, stopped to personally greet several families, blessing the children present and expressing his gratitude for their kindness.

During his stay, Leo XIV is expected to maintain a more leisurely pace of life, devoting time to prayer, reading, and rest, as well as to brief, informal encounters with the local community and visitors who come to this small enclave in the Lazio region. Castel Gandolfo, with its natural beauty and silence, thus becomes a favorable space for contemplation and personal care for the Pope.

The arrival of Leo XIV has been hailed by various international media as a significant gesture of continuity with papal traditions and a reminder of the value of rest as an essential part of spiritual and pastoral life.