Pope Leo XIV will spend two weeks this July in Castel Gandolfo, reviving a centuries-old papal tradition that many thought had ended for good.

From July 6 to July 20, 2025, Pope Leo will be the first pontiff in over a decade to vacation at the lakeside town, a move expected to bring renewed economic activity to the area, CBS News reported.

Castel Gandolfo, located about an hour south of Rome on the shores of Lake Albano, has long served as a summer retreat for popes seeking relief from the capital’s intense heat. Sitting at an elevation of 1,400 feet, the town offers a cooler climate and scenic views that have drawn pontiffs there for more than 400 years.

However, this tradition paused during the papacy of Pope Francis, who chose to remain at the Vatican each summer instead of making the annual pilgrimage. During his 12-year pontificate, Pope Francis transformed parts of the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo into a public museum, drawing a steady flow of year-round tourists instead of seasonal papal visits.

Pope Francis died this past April, and Pope Leo XIV, originally from Chicago, was elected to lead the Catholic Church not long afterward. His decision to return to Castel Gandolfo signals a clear shift back to more traditional practices in some respects.

New Papal Approach Blends Tradition With Change

Although he is reviving the tradition of papal summers in Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo will not be residing in the Apostolic Palace, which served as the historic official residence. Instead, he will stay in a Vatican-owned building elsewhere within the town’s walled compound, keeping the palace open to paying visitors.

The Apostolic Palace, acquired by the Vatican in the late 1500s as repayment for a debt, was reimagined as a museum under Pope Francis. That decision encouraged long-term tourism in the town of 8,900, including off-season visits from pilgrims and art lovers alike.

“It was more of a hit-and-run tourism because there was the audience, and then they would leave,” said Marina Rossi, who owns a local mosaic studio. “Now there is a steady flow of tourism throughout the whole year.”

Locals Express Optimism Over Papal Presence

Many business owners in the area are enthusiastic about the renewed papal presence, recognizing it as a potential driver for regional economic growth. Summers in the town have historically been the busiest during past papacies when the resident pope helped draw visitors from across the globe.

Stefano Carosi, who operates a nearby coffee shop, praised the decision to return. “Pope Leo has given us a wonderful gift,” he said. “The pope has always been important here… because he attracts people.”

Mayor Alberto De Angelis echoed that sentiment. “The presence of the popes in Castel Gandolfo has always meant a lot of activity, a lot of economic growth,” he said during a local interview.

Signs of a Warmer Summer and Religious Gatherings

The return comes at a time when Rome and central Italy are facing soaring temperatures amid a wider European heat wave. Thermometers in the capital have already hit 100°F in early summer, underscoring the historical reasons why pontiffs once sought refuge in the elevated hills of Castel Gandolfo.

Pope Leo’s visit will include two major public religious appearances. He is expected to address crowds on July 13 and again on July 20 for local celebrations tied to the Church calendar.

Just one week before his expected departure for Castel Gandolfo, the pontiff presided over Mass on June 29 at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, observing the holy occasion of the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul.

Castel Gandolfo Readies for Influx of Tourists

Even before Pope Leo’s arrival, visitors were already making their way to Castel Gandolfo. Tourists were spotted in the town on June 29, 2024, eager to explore the villas, gardens, and museums associated with the papacy.

Locals see this summer’s developments as more than symbolic. The pope’s presence changes how visitors experience the town and connects it more deeply with its spiritual and historical meaning.

“It’s an important moment,” said Rossi, the mosaic artist. “I won’t hide my happiness.”