Pope Leo XIV is set to revive a centuries-old tradition by taking a summer vacation at Castel Gandolfo, a lakeside town about an hour south of Rome. This trip marks the first time a pope has visited the town since 2009 and brings hopes of a new boost for tourism in the area.
For over 400 years, popes have sought refuge from the summer heat by spending their summers at Castel Gandolfo. The tradition was abandoned during Pope Francis’s 12-year tenure as pontiff. However, with Pope Leo’s upcoming visit, locals are optimistic that other tourists will follow and try to catch a glimpse of the pope.
The papal residence in Castel Gandolfo is located in a walled-off building owned by the Vatican, rather than the traditional Apostolic Palace. Despite this, locals are still thrilled about the visit, citing its potential economic benefits for the town.
While Pope Leo’s visit will likely be low-key, he is scheduled to make appearances on July 13 and 20 to attend religious celebrations in the town. The return of the Catholic leader is seen as an opportunity for Castel Gandolfo to attract more tourists throughout the year, rather than just during the summer months.
Local business owners, including coffee shop owner Stefano Carosi and mosaic studio owner Marina Rossi, express their excitement about Pope Leo’s visit, citing its potential to boost tourism and economic growth in the area.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pope-leo-castel-gandolfo-summer-vacation-tradition-returns