Pope Leo XIV Welcomed by Faithful in Castel Gandolfo

Pope Leo XIV’s arrival in Castel Gandolfo on Sunday, July 6, marked more than the start of a summer retreat, it became a heartfelt encounter between a missionary Pope and the faithful who see in him a living witness of Christ.

Located about 25 kilometers southeast of Rome, Castel Gandolfo has traditionally served as the summer residence of Popes for centuries. Overlooking the tranquil Lake Albano, the Apostolic Palace became a beloved site for papal rest and reflection. 

However, during Pope Francis’s pontificate, the palace was not used as a summer residence; instead, it was opened to the public as a museum. With Pope Leo XIV’s return, the tradition of using Castel Gandolfo as a place of spiritual pause has been quietly revived.

Arriving shortly after 5:00 p.m., the Pope was greeted by a joyful crowd of pilgrims, religious sisters, tourists, and local families who had waited for hours under the summer sun. 

Cries of “Pope Leo!” and “Holy Father!” rang through the air as he stepped out of his car near the entrance to Villa Barberini, blessing children, greeting the elderly, and warmly shaking hands. His gesture of stopping to greet the peopleembodied the heart of his papal mission — one rooted in closeness, compassion, and communion.

Among those present were religious sisters from various congregations, including the Daughters of the Sagrada Familia and the Presentation of Mary. 

As they prayed the Rosary while awaiting his arrival, their presence offered a clear sign of spiritual solidarity. “We pray for your mission, Holy Father,” they said. “We accompany you with our prayers.” 

Their words echoed the sentiment of many who see in the Pope not merely a figurehead, but a spiritual father whose presence itself evangelizes.

Their joy underscored a deeper truth: even during moments of retreat, the Pope’s mission continues, not in proclamations or public addresses, but through his closeness to people and his embrace of the ordinary moments of grace. 

One sister from Cameroon called out in French, “We are close to you, Pope Leo!” and was deeply moved when he personally came near to greet them.

Local clergy and civic leaders also gathered to welcome the Pope, including Bishop Vincenzo Viva, director of the Pontifical Villas, and Don Tadeusz Rozmus, pastor of the Pontifical Church of St. Thomas of Villanova, where Pope Leo will celebrate Mass on July 13. 

“He was very kind, very open,” said Don Rozmus, who noted how the Pope offered words of encouragement and appreciation for the warm reception.

As the gates of the villa closed and the crowd began to disperse, Pope Leo gave a final surprise by appearing on the balcony of the residence. Standing behind the yellow-and-white flag of Vatican City and ivy-covered railings, he smiled and waved to those still gathered below, a gesture that sparked cheers, blessings, and snapshots of a moment filled with grace.

Directly below stood a group of four nuns from the Daughters of the Sagrada Familia, who had traveled from Rome just after the Angelus. “We have been to many papal audiences, but never this close,” said Sister Maria José of Peru. “How kind of him to stop and greet us personally.”

As Pope Leo begins his time of rest until July 20, with another brief stay planned in August, the faithful continue to accompany him in spirit. 

“Even in his pause, the Holy Father continues his mission,” Sister Maria added. “He evangelizes.”