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Pope Leo XIV greets crowds upon arrival at Castel Gandolfo
Arriving in Castel Gandolfo, just southeast of Rome, Pope Leo XIV briefly appeared at the balcony of the Apostolic Palace to greet the faithful gathered in Piazza della Libertà. He thanked them for their warm welcome and reaffirmed the importance of coming together as brothers and sisters.
Vatican News
The banner hung from the balcony of the Apostolic Palace signaled Pope Leo’s arrival to the faithful gathered in the square at Castel Gandolfo. Following yesterday’s apostolic journey to Lampedusa and today’s Angelus in St. Peter’s Square on July 5, the Pope traveled in the afternoon to the town in Italy’s Lazio region. There he will spend a period of rest until Monday, July 27, as noted in a statement from the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household.
The Pope on the balcony of the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo (@VATICAN MEDIA)
An important moment of encounter
From the balcony of his residence, the Pope offered a few words in return for the joy shown by the local community, which had been eagerly awaiting his traditional July stay—a month usually devoted to a break from his regular commitments.
“Good evening, good evening, Castel Gandolfo!” were the Pope’s first words. “Thank you. I am very happy to be here among you and to spend the next few weeks with a little rest, a little prayer, a little reading, and, hopefully, a little sport here in Castel Gandolfo! Coming together is always an important moment, and I am happy that you are all here. Thank you for your welcome, and thank you for being brothers and sisters.”
The Pope’s prayer
As the crowd cheered “Welcome!” and applauded, Pope Leo gave his blessing, saying they would see him again at the Sunday Angelus and perhaps on “some other occasion.” “I assure you of my prayers always, but especially during the coming weeks… May God always accompany you!”
Leo XIV will spend a few weeks resting at Castel Gandolfo (@Vatican Media)
A period of rest at Castel Gandolfo
Pope Leo also greeted the pastor and parish community of St. Thomas of Villanova, where he celebrated Mass on July 13, 2025. During this period of rest, all general audiences, as well as private and special audiences, are suspended. General audiences will resume on Wednesday, August 5. Throughout the Sundays of July, the Angelus will take place in Piazza della Libertà in Castel Gandolfo.
The faithful gather in Piazza della Libertà to welcome the Pope (@VATICAN MEDIA)
Pope Leo greeting the crowds in Castel Gandolfo
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