Shunned by Francis during his 12-year papacy, Castel Gandolfo will be again the second home for a Pope.
By Catholics for Catholics
Though many Vatican observers expect Pope Leo XIV to spend some rest time in the summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, others believe the new pontiff will use his stint to conclude key appointments and to pen a new encyclical.
Castel Gandolfo, which since 1626 has been the summer residence of the popes, was shunned for 12 years by Pope Francis. The apostolic palace is situated in a hilltop in the gorgeous Alban hilltops and is located about 16 miles southeast of Rome, where locals and visitors enjoy comfortable weather.
Recently turned into museums and somewhat of a tourist attraction, Pope Leo will be there until July 20, according to LifeSite News.The Pope is not expected to hold audiences, but some unofficial meetings may take place.
Still, this serene interlude will be key for Leo and serve as a chance to take stock of the whirlwind of the past two months, along with the opportunity to determine the future of his papacy, wrote LifeSite News.
As already reported by LifeSite News, any personnel changes the Pope might make were expected after the summer. Speaking to Il Messaggero, the general prior of Leo’s Augustinian order – who is a close friend of the Pope – confirmed this suggestion.
“The appointments will come after the summer. This break will certainly help him weigh everything,” said Father Alejandro Moral. But continuing, Moral alluded to an encyclical which Leo might write: “The time available will then be used to write the encyclical.”
Pontiffs often issue their first major document early on in their papacy, which serves – among other things – as a way to focus on specific key priorities they wish to concentrate on during their reign.
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