Pope Leo XIV is beginning a quiet summer retreat this weekend at Castel Gandolfo, stepping away from Vatican City for the first time since his election on May 8.

Though framed as a six-week vacation, the stay marks a time of intense reflection as the new pontiff prepares to address a range of pivotal issues facing the Catholic Church, from leadership appointments and Vatican finances to unresolved abuse cases and liturgical divisions, AP reported.

Leo, a 69-year-old former Augustinian missionary and Vatican administrator, has distinguished himself with a reserved leadership style that contrasts significantly with his more publicly active predecessors. After just two months as pope, he has chosen to revive the centuries-old custom of using the papal summer residence in the Alban Hills—a tradition left idle during Pope Francis’ decade-long pontificate.

Papal Retreat Returns After Long Hiatus

Castel Gandolfo residents cheered the return of a pope to the historic palace, where past leaders often plotted key encyclicals. Local parish priest Rev. Tadeusz Rozmus noted that the town, which suffered economically during Pope Francis’ decision to transform the palace into a museum, hopes to regain its past vitality during Leo’s stay.

Despite the vacation setting, Leo is using his time to evaluate several unresolved matters within the Church. The retreat, expected to last until August 17, will serve as his first sustained opportunity to analyze internal Vatican affairs at length.

Upon his election, Leo reappointed all Vatican prefects with temporary status, effectively leaving multiple major posts—including his former position overseeing bishop selections—open for permanent assignments. A decision is also pending on whether to replace Cardinal Pietro Parolin as Secretary of State, one of the most critical roles in the Church's governance.

Financial Troubles and Abuse Reviews Await Decisions

Financial issues top the list of institutional concerns. The Holy See currently faces a structural budget deficit believed to be between €50 and €60 million, with a separate shortfall of €1 billion in its pension fund. Observers expect Leo, trained in canon law and known for his meticulous reading habits, to assess reform proposals firsthand rather than relying on summaries.

Leo is also expected to bring new momentum to unresolved clerical abuse cases, notably that of Rev. Marko Rupnik. The once-renowned mosaic artist was expelled from the Jesuit order after being accused by more than two dozen women of spiritual and sexual misconduct. His case, reopened under Pope Francis nearly two years ago, recently progressed as independent canon lawyers were finally appointed to oversee the proceedings.

The Vatican's media wing has already removed Rupnik’s works from its site, signaling a break from previous responses. Analysts point to earlier administrative hesitations, with Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández acknowledging difficulties in recruiting clerics to manage the case.

Leadership Shifts Indicate Cultural Reset

In a related move, Leo replaced American Cardinal Sean O’Malley as head of the Vatican’s child protection commission, appointing French Bishop Thibault Verny in his place. The pope has advocated for a Church environment that allows "no tolerance" for inappropriate behavior of any kind, extending beyond physical violence to include spiritual abuse and coercion.

Also awaiting resolution is the appeal of Cardinal Angelo Becciu, convicted along with others for crimes tied to a notorious £350 million London real estate investment. The trial stirred legal concerns for its lack of due process, a problem critics blame in part on Pope Francis’ heavy involvement in prosecution decisions.

New evidence has further complicated the case, including communications showing Vatican prosecutors collaborated with a woman alleged to have coached the trial’s star witness. Becciu has insisted this proves the case was manipulated by internal Vatican enemies, a claim now landing on Leo’s desk for review.

Latin Mass and Global Travel on the Horizon

Leo’s emphasis on unity has sparked speculation that he may revisit restrictions placed by Francis on the traditional Latin Mass. Under Pope Benedict XVI, these liturgies were more freely permitted, but tighter controls introduced in 2021 provoked backlash among conservative Catholics.

Cardinal Raymond Burke has urged the new pope to reexamine the issue. He hopes Leo will restore broader access to the older rite and end what he describes as unjust treatment toward its adherents.

Looking beyond Rome, the pope is also examining future apostolic journeys. Among potential visits is a historically themed trip to Turkey to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea in November. Other invitations have come from U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, though Leo’s travel priorities remain under deliberation.

Conversations Begin, But Action Awaits

Leo gave no definitive answer to the American request, delivered on former President Donald Trump's behalf, and Vatican policy under Francis opposed single-nation ventures that could appear politically charged. Still, some hope Leo might reverse course, potentially opening the door for a visit to Ukraine or Argentina—Francis’ native country, which never saw a papal visit during his reign.

Currently, Leo’s manner has drawn praise for its diligence rather than flair. Insiders describe him as a detail-focused figure devoted to collecting full information before making changes. His inaugural sermon stressed humility, saying Church leaders must reduce their ego so that the figure of Christ can shine more clearly.

Whether Leo’s low-profile approach will resonate widely remains to be seen, but his retreat at Castel Gandolfo—while restful—clearly marks the beginning, not a pause, in his active stewardship of a turbulent Vatican landscape.