Thousands of faithful braved the rain and gathered in the picturesque hilltop village of Castel Gandolfo on Sunday to witness Pope Leo deliver his first Angelus prayer from his summer residence, marking a symbolic return to a tradition paused by his predecessor.
Standing before the gates of the Apostolic Palace, flanked by two Swiss Guards in ceremonial attire, the newly elected pope greeted the crowd warmly. “I am happy to be among you… and thank you all for your warm welcome,” he said to thunderous applause and cheers.
Pope Leo arrived at Castel Gandolfo on July 6 for a two-week retreat, choosing to revive the centuries-old custom of popes spending their summers at the serene location, about 20 kilometers southeast of Rome. His predecessor, Pope Francis, had chosen to remain at the Vatican throughout his papacy, leaving Castel Gandolfo largely unused.
Despite intermittent showers, thousands of pilgrims and tourists packed the narrow cobbled streets of the village, eager to catch a glimpse of the pontiff. The village, perched on the rim of a dormant volcanic crater and overlooking Lake Albano, once again came alive with the presence of the Holy Father.
Earlier in the day, Pope Leo celebrated Mass at the Church of Saint Thomas of Villanova, a 17th-century Baroque church located in the village square. After the service, he walked across the square to deliver the Angelus, a traditional noontime prayer recited by popes on Sundays and feast days.
In his brief address, Pope Leo called on the faithful to pray for global peace. “Let us not forget to pray for peace and for all those who find themselves in suffering and need because of war,” he urged, echoing the Vatican’s long-standing commitment to humanitarian issues.
Pope Leo’s visit has reinvigorated local interest and tourism in Castel Gandolfo, drawing both religious pilgrims and curious visitors. His embrace of tradition, paired with his warm and humble demeanor, has begun to shape his papacy as one grounded in both spiritual depth and public engagement.
