Pope Leo returns to Vatican after break in Castel Gandolfo

Lake Albano from Castel Gandolfo. Image ICN/JS

Source: Vatican News

Pope Leo XIV left Castel Gandolfo this evening, Monday, 27 July, to return to the Vatican, after a three week break.

As his car left the papal residence, the Pope greeted a group of people who had gathered to see him off and blessed several children waiting with their parents.

He will return to Castel Gandolfo on Wednesday, 29 July, to attend 'Canticle of Peace' (Cantico di Pace), an evening gathering of prayer in the gardens, promoted by the Laudato Si' Centre for Higher Education and the Andrea Bocelli Foundation. The event is one of the celebrations marking the 800th anniversary of St Francis of Assisi's death.

During his stay in Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo devoted time to prayer, reading, and some sport.

The small town, which overlooks Lake Albano in the Alban Hills outside Rome, is listed among Italy's Most Beautiful Villages.

In addition to four Sunday appointments with the faithful - when he led the Angelus from the entrance to the Apostolic Palace, Pope Leo took part in two other public events.

On 11 July, he shared lunch in the pontifical gardens with 200 people from the Diocese of Rome living in situations of social vulnerability, including 35 children. A week later, on 18 July, he attended a concert organised by the Diocese of Albano in the courtyard of the Apostolic Palace.

The Pope also made some private visits during the final week of his stay. On 20 July, he visited the Benedictine Abbey of Montecassino. On 22 July, he travelled to the Sanctuary of the Most Holy Trinity at Vallepietra before visiting the Monasteries of St Benedict and St Scholastica at Subiaco.