For the first time in over a decade, Castel Gandolfo will once again host a reigning pope, as Pope Leo prepares to revive a long-standing tradition of taking a summer break in the serene hill town south of Rome.From 6 to 20 July, Pope Leo, who was elected on 8 May following the death of Pope Francis, will stay in the quiet lakeside community of just under 9,000 residents nestled on the shores of Lake Albano. Locals are welcoming the news with enthusiasm, hoping the papal presence will breathe fresh life into the town’s tourism industry.The Vatican has held ownership of a grand papal residence in Castel Gandolfo since 1596, but Pope Francis notably declined to use it, instead opting to spend his summers within the Vatican and converting the palace into a museum. While the museum will remain open, Pope Leo has chosen to stay in a nearby Vatican-owned property during his retreat.For local business owners and civic leaders, the return of a pope is a welcome change, the first by a pope in 12 years. “Pope Leo has given us a wonderful gift,” said Stefano Carosi, who runs a coffee shop on the town’s main square. “The pope has always been important here… because he attracts people,” Reuters quoted Carosi.Mayor Alberto De Angelis also expressed excitement about the visit. “The presence of the popes in Castel Gandolfo has always meant a lot of activity, a lot of economic growth,” he said, describing the community’s excitement around Leo’s visit.While Pope Leo is expected to keep a low profile behind the walls of the Vatican compound, the faithful and visitors will have a chance to see him during two public religious celebrations, scheduled for 13 and 20 July.Temperatures in Rome have already soared past 37°C this summer, making the cooler climes of Castel Gandolfo, historically a papal escape from the heat, particularly inviting. Dozens of popes before Leo have retreated here during the summer months.Although Pope Francis never stayed overnight in the town, residents credit him for opening the palace’s gardens and converting the historic residence into a museum. “It was more of a hit-and-run tourism, because there was the audience and then they would leave,” said Marina Rossi, who owns a mosaic studio. “Now there is a steady flow of tourism throughout the whole year.”Still, with Pope Leo’s return, she sees an even greater opportunity for the town. “It’s an important moment,” Rossi said. “I won’t hide my happiness.”And for those wondering what the pontiff might get up to in his downtime, Stefano’s brother Maurizio had a light-hearted suggestion, “If you want a good glass of wine, come visit with me!”
